Freedom is hoping to have a big weekend at Liberty’s Memorial Gymnasium, as the District 11 3A wrestling championships kicks off.

It’s the first test of a three week trek toward ultimately advancing to Hershey for the PIAA state championships and Freedom head coach Anthony Marino wants to get his guys running off to a fast start with a quality district performance.

“Obviously, I’m looking to have all of them medal,” said Marino in a joking way. “I think I would really be happy with nine guys medaling and every guy making it to the second day.

“All of the guys are healthy and ready for the post season.”

The projected weights for the Pates this weekend are Mike Messa (107); Ovidious Cusu (114); John Bodnar (121); Aamire Gaskins (127); Anthony Crisafulli (133); Nick Lyden (139); Keenan Ray (145); Ivan Bonilla (152); Aaron Pizarro (160); Cole Retos (172); Noah MacIlroy (189); Elliot Black (215) and Dan Schiffert (285).

“I believe 133-285 could have really big weekends and make some serious noise,” said Marino. “Half the line up is down a weight class and most likely at their correct weight classes.”

MacIlroy took fourth a year ago at districts, while Keenan Ray and Dan Schiffert each took fifth.

“My favorite part of this time of year is that anything can happen,” said Marino. “It wouldn’t be districts if there weren’t some upsets that no one expected. Messa has been working very hard and trying to adapt to high school wrestling and I think if he goes into matches confident and being coachable he can make some things happen and maybe beat some guys that have beat him earlier this season. I can also see Nick Lyden and Gaskins really having good weekends. I think 189-285 have really good shots at being finalists along with my other captains Keenan Ray and Ivan Bonilla. They all have done a really good job of looking to peak this time of year and I’m just focusing on making sure they are ready to go and only starting to peak this weekend because I would really like to extend the season another three weeks.”