In his team’s second sanctioned season, Catasauqua head girls’ wrestling coach Mike Rusnock is continuing to lay a foundation.

Last season, the Rough Riders won four matches, placed second in Tamaqua’s Blue Raider Tournament and also finished 16th in the district tournament and 21st at regionals. Junior Aeriel Stallworth was a district champion.

This season, the Roughies won four of their first five dual matches, and had seven girls with winning records, with two being undefeated. In recent matches, Catty has been able to field a full lineup, but they have a hole at 100 pounds.

“The whole team has contributed to the overall success so far this season,” stated Rusnock. “We don’t have a full lineup this season. However. most of the weight classes that we do fulfill are strong. Our returning experienced girls have taken a next step in development. Our younger and new wrestlers show promise and are improving each and every day.”

Aeriel Stallworth had a 6-2 record at 142 in the early going, while her sister Arianna, a junior, had an unblemished 9-0 mark at 118. Junior Esmeralda Serrano was 7-0 at 170, senior Madison Monberger was 7-1 at 130, sophomore Ashlie Montano-Giron was 6-2 at 155, senior Janetliz Burgos was 5-3 at 106, and sophomore Anaiz Espinal was 4-1 at 190.

The Roughies placed second in the Blue Raider Tournament this season with Serrano and Aeriel Stallworth claiming titles, and sophomore Maddison Beierle (190) finishing third.

Rusnock has been pleased with his team’s showing.

Janetliz Burgos and Ana Rodriguez-Ramos are wrestling with confidence and attitude this year,” said Rusnock. “Arianna Stallworth and Madison Monberger have been great practice partners in the room. Their work ethic has spilled onto the mats. Both look greatly improved from last year. Both should be tough outs at the end of season.

“Esmeralda Serrano has five falls and had only one match that has gone beyond the first period. Ashlie Montano-Giron, one of longer tenured wrestlers on the team, is focused and has a chance to go far. She just picked up a win over a state ranked wrestler and was leading 8-0 before an injury default. Aeriel Stallworth, our returning state qualifier, is wrestling a good as ever. Her goal this year is a state medal.”

However, Rusnock is aware there are challenges ahead. The Roughies will wrestle in Maryland’s War at the Shore this weekend.

“The second half will be more rigorous,” stressed Rusnock. “We have tough dual matchups with improved teams from last year. The tournament schedule also increases in difficulty.

“This weekend, the War on the Shore Tournament should be a great experience, both on and off the mat. It will be great to test our skills against other girls from other states. The following weekend is girls’ Coal Cracker tournament, which is always a great gauge for upcoming district tournament.”