Jody Karam knew that his Liberty team would have trouble reaching the PIAA state dual tournament this year.

The Hurricanes won the matches they were supposed to over the weekend in the District 11 3A tournament, but lost the ones people had them projected to.

Liberty's two losses came by the same hands of Parkland, losing to the Trojans 36-27 in the "ultimate qualifier" bout Saturday night for the final spot to Hershey.

After defeating Liberty 36-22 in the semifinals, the Trojans pulled the double later on that night following a 29-28 criteria defeat to Nazareth in the 3A championship.

With that aside Liberty's ascension this year into a program that has eclipsed traditional powers Northampton and, temporarily Easton, is the real story of the 2013-2014 dual meet season.

The Hurricanes enjoyed one of their finest campaigns under head coach Jody Karam and pushing a team like Parkland to the brink is something the Liberty program can hold their hat to.

"We are a 12-month program and we focus on the basics with these kids," said Karam. "Anyone can start with us in ninth grade and become a solid wrestler by the time they're a senior."

Liberty's wrestling program has developed a knack for taking rookie wrestlers as freshmen and turning them into something. Senior Jake Gunning is one of those prime examples, as the 220-pound Division-I Buffalo recruit, finished his freshman year 0-23. Now, he's considered one of the best upper weights in the district.

"I remember when I look back and think of how far I've come over the years," said Gunning. "The coaches are great here, and it's all of them, because they're always helping us get better. They push us everyday and they've helped us get to where we're at."

Karam has his system perfected you might say, as the program has between 80-90 wrestlers competing from 7th to 12th grades. The Hurricanes have reserves at every weight and won this years JV tournament.

"Basics are important and fundamental positions are important too," said Karam. "We try to eliminate distractions for our kids and focus on the important things.

"We like to think that we're out-working everybody out there. I'm not sure if we are, but we're trying."

When Liberty will be able to push themselves into the state tournament is a question that remains to be seen, but Karam and company will undoubtedly never quit in their goal to reach that milestone.