Joe Henrich knows his first year as Catasauqua’s head football coach will be a process.

Henrich isn’t drawing parallels to the success he had at Bethlehem Catholic, where he won four district titles, had two state appearances, and recorded the second most wins in school history (67). Instead, he is letting football nature take its course.

Last season, the Roughies finished 6-6, a year after they went to the District 11 Class 2A title game. Former head coach Travis Brett resigned after last season, and he posted a 22-23 overall record.

“We feel we have a good number of kids,” offered Henrich. “We just had so many other kids playing other sports. Right now, we‘re trying to lay the groundwork on what to expect. It’s not just about the Xs and Os.”

Henrich said that his players have been weight training three days a week, and they recently logged four days a week before having some time off.

The first-year head coach added that his team will have one seven-on-seven passing camp at the end of June. He is optimistic that there will be close to 30 or 35 players on the roster this fall.

“We know that the kids still have some AAU tournaments and summer basketball,” said Henrich. “Some kids are working, and we want kids to be kids. We know most of our kids are free Wednesday night without basketball.”

Senior lineman Matt Fotta and sophomore quarterback Aiden Reilly could have an early track at the starting spots at their respective positions. However, Henrich is keeping an open mind.

“Aiden is a smart kid, and he’s young,” noted Henrich. “He had some growing pains last year, but he takes everything in from the coaches like a sponge. He throws a good ball, and the coaches like what he can do.

“But I don’t have anything set in stone. I don’t want to talk about penciling anyone in at this point. We’ll look at every position, and see who will fit there.”

Henrich has completed his coaching staff.

Longtime area coach Herm Stein will serve as defensive coordinator, and former Becahi player Ryan Johnson will assist on the defense. Scott Tennyson, Tyler Hodges, and Matt Kosciolek will be on the offensive side of the ball.

The Roughies’ 2024 schedule will feature Mahanoy Area, Wilson, Palisades, Salisbury, Notre Dame (Green Pond), Saucon Valley, Jim Thorpe, Northern Lehigh, Pen Argyl, and Palmerton. It appears to be an extremely competitive schedule for the Roughies, and their rising rivalry with Palisades is likely to continue.

Like the rest of his approach, Henrich isn’t making any prognostications.

“I really don’t know how good we are to these teams,” he said. “How will can stack up will be new to me. I have looked at a little bit of film.”

Overall, it will be a process.

“We will be trying to create a new culture,” added Henrich. “It will take time to establish trust and everyone to buy into it.”