If there’s one weekend of wrestling during the season that Bethlehem Catholic gets to feel humbled, it’s usually at the Ironman Tournament at Walsh Jesuit High School in Ohio.

The Hawks came away from last weekend’s event with a 13th place overall finish and two medalists from the daunting tournament.

Keanu Dillard was the lone finalist for the Hawks, taking silver at 126-pounds following a 3-2 overtime loss to former Golden Hawk, Nate Desmond of Wyoming Seminary.

Shane McFillin (165) took sixth place at the event, succumbing to Ayden King of Barnesville (OH) by fall in 39 seconds during his medal round.

The tournament is considered one of the toughest in the country and there’s no better way to get a gauge on the season, than competing at the Ironman.

“Overall, I think we competed admirably,” said Hawks’ head coach Mike Cole. “It is a very humbling tournament. With that, there are clear opportunities to learn about your weaknesses with this level of competition.

“I learned that our new wrestlers can compete. And, have a strong mindset to battle. I need to study film this week but I believe we have enough evidence that our stated team development goals are accurate development items.”

Dillard won four matches over two days, picking up two tech falls and two decisions before pushing Desmond to the limit.

Dillard, a junior, enters the year with two PIAA state championships under his belt and will be a favorite to win a third straight this season and Cole was happy to see him get off the ground running, despite falling in the finals to Desmond.

“Keanu has grown in a lot of ways,” said Cole. “His mindset is very strong right now. Even though he lost in the finals, his performance was very good. I look forward to studying his finals match and adjusting accordingly. I already have some ideas that I just want to confirm with video review and discussion with Keanu.”

The Hawks (1-0) have two matches on deck this week with home bouts against Northampton on Wednesday and Allen on Thursday.

They defeated Emmaus 43-14 in their season opener last week.