Catty opens wrestling season at Pen Argyl

By Hannah Kurczeski, Opinion Editor

January 15, 2021

As the 2021 winter sports season shifts into gear at Catasauqua, the wrestling team is looking to build on last year’s progress. The team placed fourth in District XI and even sent two wrestlers to the state tournament last year, including junior Jaryn Hartranft, who was only one win away from placing. Hartranft, along with seniors Austin Brett and Jacob Nye, are expected to be key returning starters this year.

Brett, despite suffering an injury, hopes to compete this year.

“Hopefully we are able to have a season and be able to wrestle,” said Brett. “I am currently out with an elbow injury that I suffered during football, but I have been around the team and so far we are looking good. I look forward to having a season and being able to compete soon.”

Hartranft has already set his sights on post-season play.

“As a team, we just want to get matches in and hopefully make it to districts or regionals,” said Hartranft. “At practice we have to take multiple mask breaks. We try to do as minimal touching as possible.”

“We are living through trying times with Covid,” returning coach Joe Russo stated when asked about the team. “Unfortunately there are some wrestlers who have decided not to participate this year.” The current team consists of 12 wrestlers this year, which is a significant decrease from years past.

Head coach Joe Russo has high hopes for the upcoming season.

“I hope that we can make a memorable year for our two seniors,” said Russo. “If we are able to have a postseason, we hope to have a few qualifiers.”

The team has eight matches scheduled through early March. The team lost their first match to Pen Argyl on January 11. Matches will be streamed on the CHS YouTube channel.