When it comes to winning, Bethlehem Catholic's wrestling program has done it better than anyone in any sport over the past three years.

Coming off three straight PIAA 2A championships, head coach Jeff Karam is looking to make it four in a row and that journey started on Monday, as winter practices opened up for schools across the state.

Obviously, teams have been gearing up for their respective sports since last season completed, but getting back to work on an official basis is something that every coach welcomes when the first day of practice arrives.

And despite entering his sixth season at the helm of Becahi, Karam has a different feeling entering this year.

"It's the first time I don't have a Cruz in the program," said Karam in reference to former wrestlers Randy, Richie and Darian Cruz. "It's a little different without them in the room, but I'm really happy with the group of kids we have. Each year you have different team with a different identity and we can't hold our weight on what we did a year ago. Everyone is undefeated right now."

Becahi has around 30 kids in their wight room, which is quite the contrast that Liberty boys' basketball coach Chad Landis has to deal with as he gears up for another winter of basketball.

The Hurricanes have nearly 100 players trying out for the team, 50 of which are freshmen, so getting through the first week of practice is a daunting task.

"We could invade a small country with the amount of players we have out," Landis said. "We go through four days of tryouts to figure everything out. It's just tough right now with the amount of space you have and the numbers of players."

Both programs have their share of obstacles and challenges heading into a new campaign, but starting a fresh season is always a welcoming sign for both players and coaches.

"It's exciting now to begin the process and build toward whatever the season brings you," said Landis. "Now it's official, and this is where you get to work."