For the past three years, Miles Melendez has had his share of ups and downs with the Catasauqua football program. Yet, he certainly has made the most of his opportunities, as he has been recognized every season with Colonial League honors.

As a freshman, Melendez burst onto the scene, and he appeared to be ready to make an impact. Expectations were high for Melendez, but he battled through injuries the past two seasons. Recently, he has been progressing through an elbow ligament injury, which slowed him last season.

Entering his senior season, Melendez is ready to put his past troubles behind him, and play his part to bring home the Rough Riders first district championship since 2013.

“We’re all pretty excited,” said Melendez about the team’s chances as they prepare to open camp. “We’re all pretty confident, and you can see it in the practices. Everybody is working hard and showing up.

“We’re all on the same page, and no one has been left behind.”

At 5-9, 175 pounds, Melendez doesn’t maintain the size of your average guard and nose tackle. But Melendez has been able to hold his own with his speed and determination. He will make the move to linebacker this season.

“I feel like I have gotten stronger,” he said. “I have always been able to use my speed to my advantage. But I feel more comfortable and more under control.”

Throughout his career, Melendez always has played on the line and been considered undersized.

“Yeah, I have played up front basically all my career,” he said. “It is just a matter of staying low and being quicker than the guy across from you. I knew that I had to get stronger especially when you get to high school. I have gone up against guys who have been a lot bigger than me, but it is about speed and leverage. I also have a lot of desire to keep going.”

Head coach Travis Brett can verify Melendez’s assets. He has seen how Melendez can use his size to his advantage.

“Miles is a tough kid whose motor does not stop,” stated Brett. “He has been a solid four-year starter for us. Pound for pound, he is one of the toughest players I have ever been around.

“He played all of last season with a torn ligament in his elbow that he had fixed in the offseason. He has been an all-league player, and we are excited to have him for one more year on both sides of the ball.”

In turn, Melendez has felt a special bond with Brett, who was his middle school coach until his promotion three years ago.

“Being with him has been special,” said Melendez. “I feel a lot more confident with coach Brett because he knows me and allows me to play my game. We had an undefeated team in middle school, and it was a great feeling. We knew we could beat everybody.

“We have a similar type of feeling heading into this season.”

Melendez will wear an elbow brace, but it is one that is comfortable and not cumbersome. He feels like he is continuing to improve, and sees himself rounding in shape as the season progresses. Melendez also went through the wrestling season with his elbow injury, and had surgery at the end of the season.

“I’m not as strong as I would like to be because of the elbow,” he said. “I know I have become stronger over the years, but I just have to be patient.

“But I am really looking forward to getting the season underway. We have a lot to prove this season.”

On a personal note, Melendez will make his mark.