Bethlehem Catholic and losing have not been synonymous on the wrestling mat, but as we enter the second week of the season the Hawks enter with an 0-1 record.

That’s because Emmaus stunned the Hawks last week 31-21 in their league opener.

It was the first win for Emmaus in the series in 20 years and it was the Hawks first loss since January 10, 2024 when they fell to Easton.

The Green Hornets (1-0) proved they are one of the area’s best teams with the win, but for Beca head coach Mike Cole it was an early lesson in a long season.

“I was not surprised at all that we could lose to Emmaus,” said Cole. “I knew for sure that [Emmaus coach] Jim Best would put a strong and motivated team to compete against us. He did and they certainly performed well.

“I consistently summarize our team as young, naive and talented. We showed all of that in the match.

My job now is to dissect things and pick the most important themes for the team to focus on.”

The Hawks have a difficult early season run that continues Wednesday night at Northampton (1-1) before heading off to the Ironman Tournament at Walsh Jesuit in Ohio this weekend.

The Hawks then face Easton (6-1) next week before heading to the Beast of the East that weekend.

So, things won’t be easy for the Hawks before the holidays, but perhaps this tough start is something Cole and company can use to their benefit down the road, as they look to win a fifth straight state championship.

“While I hate losing, I’m not overly worried about our ability to perform at the end of the year,” he said. “Being youthful and naive gives us a lot of room to develop. I’m counting on myself and the other coaches to do that.

“Losing isn’t fun, but mindset wise, it should be the best developmental tool once you clear your head and reflect. We’ve already begun the process of making sure their eyes focus on the opportunity to grow instead of being blinded by the anxiety created in losing.”

Freedom (2-1) is off to a promising start in Tyler Greene’s first-year as head coach.

The Pates took second over the weekend at the Battle on the Delaware at Del Val.

The Pates medaled 17 wrestlers at the event with Anthony Crisafulli (145) Nicholas Lyden (152) and Daniel Schiffert (HWT) bringing home gold medals.

Freedom has two duals this week against Pleasant Valley and East Stroudsburg South.

Liberty (1-0) has a win over Dieruff so far this season, but have a busy week with matches against Pocono Mountain West and Allen. on Wednesday and Thursday. They then head to the Penn Manor Tournament on Friday and Saturday.