With nearly a month left in his team's summer program, Catasauqua head boys' basketball coach Eric Snyder is anxious for the regular winter season.

"I'm really excited about this year," said Snyder, who will begin his 23rd year at the helm of the Roughies' program this winter. "They are really a good bunch of kids who are working really hard. We can already sense that there is a good chemistry here.

"We won't be as athletic as we were last year, but we do have some size up front."

Catasauqua again has been playing in their usual two adult leagues this summer and they have been active since late May. They will conclude their summer play with the Stellar Tournament and SportsFest in the next few weeks.

Gone are recent graduates forward Kevin Bond, guard Brandon Purrone, and forward Paryss Marshall, and they likely will be replaced by returnees Dave Wetherhold and Dakota Schiffer in the backcourt and Kevin Bond, Ricky Houser, and Sean Klobosits in the front court. The returnees will look to get the Roughies back on track to the Colonial League championship game as well as the postseason. Catty lost to Notre Dame in the league title last winter.

"We usually get beat up a bit in the adult leagues," said Snyder. "But everything with these guys has been very encouraging. These guys will have a big impact on our season, and they have done a nice job during the summer.

"We have been able to get everybody who is there into games. They all need to play and it is a delicate balance."

Snyder noted a unique experience last week when his team played a touring high school team from Spain that was in the area. Catty had a game against Palmerton canceled and they took the opportunity to play the international team.

"It was a great experience for everyone," said Snyder. "We will see plenty of Palmerton and this was a new opportunity for us. Their players were very hospitable and grateful for the chance to play us. They were all high school age players and it was a good test for us.

"They got a chance to take some pictures and get a swim in the pool. It turned out a lot better than we initially expected."

In late July, Snyder stated the annual Tournament of Champions will celebrate its 2nd anniversary at the park. Until then, he expects his team to continue to make strides.

"It's summer and we have to see what happens," said Snyder. "We have looked good and we hope it will surface for us again during the winter.