While last weekend was the official first dates of wrestling competition, everyone gets in action this week with East Penn Conference openers this week and tournaments this weekend.

No tournament is bigger this weekend than the Ironman in Ohio, where Bethlehem Catholic will be hitting the road Friday and Saturday for their first competition of the season.

The Ironman is regarded as the top regular season tournament in the country and the Hawks will have a chance to see what they have in new head coach Mike Cole’s first competition against the best teams in the country.

“I am certainly excited for my first in-season competition with Beca,” said Cole. “I know the wrestlers are all excited for this competition. It is obviously a high profile tournament.

“As a coach, I think all our guys have a shot at placing. But more specifically, I expect our freshmen and first-year varsity wrestlers to compete and take advantage of the opportunity to compete at one of the best tournaments in the nation. I expect our wrestlers who have experience in this type of event to compete without fear of losing and excitement for the opportunity to win.”

Freedom hosted the Battle of Bethlehem Duals last weekend and came away with a 3-2 mark. They picked up wins over Southern Lehigh, Bangor and Pleasant Valley, but lost to Abington Heights and Neshaminy.

Abington Heights came away from the event as champs, going undefeated in their five matches.

The Pates have Dieruff on Thursday in their EPC opener before heading off to the Delaware Valley Duals with Bangor, Cardinal O’Hara and Honesdale joining the hosts.

Liberty kicks off their season on Thursday against Allen before hitting the road this weekend to the Penn Manor Tournament. This year’s tournament includes 31 teams, as the Hurricanes should get plenty of action in the individual tournament.