This winter, Catasauqua’s wrestling team has experienced its share of emotional and physical peaks and valleys.

Recently, the Rough Riders participated in Lehighton’s prestigious Coal Cracker tournament, and they got another reminder about their program continues to try and overcome obstacles toward reaching another level.

At the Coal Cracker, Gavin Hacker (121) and Jacob Ramos (285) just missed advancing to the tournament’s final day. Ramos recently won the Colonial League tournament title for his bracket.

“The Coal Cracker was a very tough experience for our wrestlers,” said head coach Jon Reed, “Unfortunately we did not have anyone make it to the second day. Gavin Hacker and Jacob Ramos both lost in their last matches of Friday that would have sent Jacob had the best chance as he was in a tie match going into the to the third period before eventually getting pinned.

“We have been part of the Coal Cracker Tournament since it started and was a dual meet tournament. They then changed it to an individual tournament and wanted to make it the best small school tournament around. Now it has turned into one of the toughest tournaments in the country as many top 3A teams compete as well as Faith Christian, who is ranked as the top team in the country.

“It is very, very difficult for us to compete with those teams, but does show our kids how much they need to work to try to get closer to that level.”

Reed noted that the Roughies brought four wrestlers to the Coal Cracker JV tournament. Freshman Aydan Frisby and sophomore Jayce Perez both went 3-2 overall and just missed placing by one match.

“It was a good experience for them,” said Reed of his younger wrestlers. “They got some wins and competed against some kids with their skill set.”

Catty recently scheduled a dual meet with Allentown Central Catholic Feb. 5 to help relieve the long break before the upcoming district tournament Feb. 21-22. The junior high team will wrestle Wilson on the same night.

Reed plans to take the time to prepare for the postseasons, and he is seeing progress along the way from his young club.

“We now have a lot of time to help our newer kids with some technique and get our more experienced kids ready to roll for the post season. Overall, the kids are responding well, working hard, and learning more and more about the sport.”