This winter, Catasauqua’s wrestling team’s Gavin Fehr, Chad Beller, and Mihail Hartranft advanced to the PIAA state tournament at Hershey’s Giant Center.

Even though none of them medaled, it was the largest Catty contingent to make the trip to Chocolate Town since 1992.

In that year, the Rough Riders brought home three medals, highlighted by Kyle Rusnock’s state championship at 112 pounds. Rusnock completed his run with an overall 34-2 record that season.

Yet, he wasn’t alone. Joe Stofko was third in the 140-pound bracket, and Jason Mutarelli was fifth at 119. Brad Lower, who competed at 145, was eliminated in the wrestlebacks. Stofko finished with an overall 33-2-2 mark, Mutarelli was 28-8, and Lower was 29-6.

Rusnock, who later served as the school’s head wrestling coach, recalled one of the more memorable moments in his life. He was the school’s first champion since four-time state champion Matt Gerhard back in the early 1980s.

“It was always a great experience competing at the state tournament,” noted Rusnock, who currently is the head cross country and track coach. “And winning the state title was awesome.”

For Rusnock, it was all about sharing his total experience. The Roughies were 13-4-1 overall and 56-2 in the Colonial League under head coach Mike Conner.

“To be there with my teammates made it extra special,” boasted Rusnock. “We were fortunate to have great wrestlers, and we were in the middle of a title race. One of the best things about the experience was the amount of classmates and fans there to support us.

“There also was great support from the town.”

Lower also had a unique experience at states.

“I came up short, and it hurt me deeply,” said Lower. “I kept that feeling inside to help motivate me for my senior year. I was very proud of how we represented ourselves at states, and, of course, how well Kyle was out there. He truly was unbeatable and so fun to watch.”

Like his teammates, Lower was appreciative of his upbringing in the program.

“I truly couldn’t have asked to grow up and be part of a better program and community,” added Lower. “I feel blessed to have been part of so many great teams in Catty. It was pretty easy for us because the older generation always led by example. We idolized them and wanted to be like them and even better.”