Catasauqua’s Aeriel Stallworth had a momentous season last year, as she was a district champion and was a runner-up in the regional tournament.

However, Stallworth’s state run was interrupted when she tore a ligament in her arm. The junior won her first match, but she suffered a pair of defeats that ended her stay there.

For Stallworth, though, it was the road to get there that mattered.

“The experience I had was extremely positive,” recalled the current senior. “I have great coaches who kept pushing me, even when I felt I couldn’t go any further. I was really grateful for everyone who believed in me and pushed me.”

Stallworth (21-7 last season) is among a deep core returning to the Rough Riders’ lineup this season. She had overcome some initial trepidations about returning to her sport.

“Getting over that injury was definitely tough, but I’ve been slowly building my arm strength back and recently started wrestling again,” noted Stallworth. “At first, I was nervous to get back on the mat, but now that I’ve been back for a few weeks, I feel stronger and more confident.”

With a veteran lineup returning, Stallworth has high expectations for herself and her team.

“My main goal this season is to earn a state medal,” stated Stallworth. “Over the years, I’ve learned that anything is possible if you stay committed. I’ve only been wrestling for four years, but I’ve enjoyed every moment of it and learned so much from the sport.”

Head coach Mike Rusnock will look to a returning core to help set the space with only Alicia Avila (6-9) lost to graduation.

Aside from Stallworth, seniors Madison Monberger (10-11), Janetlitz Burgos (4-8), Amani Dougherty-Phillips (1-0) and Emily Delong (4-10) along with junior Esmeralda Serrano (11-8), Ariana Stallworth (9-7), Ana Rodrigues-Ramos (5-6) will help form a secure and veteran lineup.

Sophomores Maddison Beierle (1-0), Ashlie Giron (10-9) and Haley Cedano (55) should also be in the mix. Freshmen Madison Stock and Emelyna Serrano both excelled in the junior high program last year, and newcomers sophomore Anaiz Espinal and senior Ketevan Kemashvili are expected to be contributors.

Senior Dakota Velas (4-2) will miss the season with an injury.

Rusnock anticipates a high ceiling for his wrestlers and his team. The Roughies opened their season against Tamaqua Dec. 3.

“We’re excited for the new season,” beamed Rusnock. “We have many returnees whose experience will help the team compete in the first year of the girls Colonial League conference. I believe we can win a lot of matches based on returning knowledge and the number of girls on the team. We should be able to fill a full team and build on last year’s success.

“We have some competitive tournaments in season which should help prepare for the end of season tournaments. We have high expectations to have many of the girls make it to the second day of districts. Our expectations for Aeriel Stallworth is to add that state medal to her resume.”