With some momentum behind them in recent weeks, Catasauqua’s wrestling team is looking toward a strong second-half finish.

The Roughies began the year by placing fourth in their own tournament in early December, having Jaryn Hartranft (106), Austin Brett (120), and Adam Reinhart (182) finishing as runners-up in their respective weight classes. Overall, seven wrestlers placed in the tournament.

Brett, a sophomore who was 11-7 last season with a fourth-place finish in districts, sees plenty of promise ahead.

“We are a hardworking team and building very day in the room,” said Brett. “If everyone keeps coming and wanting to win, we are going to be a good team.”

The Roughies ended the year with respectable showing in league matches. Seniors Brad Panto, Sebastian Henry, and Bradshaw Henning have helped set the pace.

“We dropped a close one (39-33) to Southern Lehigh, and then I thought we went to Saucon Valley and the team really wrestled hard and didn’t quit,” said head coach Joe Russo. “We only gave up two falls against the strongest team in our league.

“We went to Salisbury and won 58-18 two days later. Senior leaders Panto, Henry, and Henning quietly lead by example trying to help our team improve every day.”

The Roughies did just that.

They began the new year with an impressive 42-31 victory over perennial league power Pen Argyl after trailing 19-0.

Jacob Nye (106), Dylan Gino (145), Wilquon Clemons (152) and LaVonte Bouie recorded falls for the Roughies.

“That was a huge win for us,” said Russo. “It was a great and exciting match for us.”

From there, the Roughies won three of four matches in the Whitehall Duals. They lost their opening bout to East Stroudsburg South, 51-24, then they rallied to defeat Dieruff (42-34), Southern Lehigh (40-39), and Pocono Mountain East (51-27) for a ninth-place finish.