After a banner postseason last year, Catasauqua head track coach Kyle Rusnock is waiting to see what his team can do for an encore this season.

“Last year, we had a historical season, qualifying nine events to the state meet and coming away with a state medal in the 4 x 400 relay,” stated Rusnock. “Most of those athletes are back, and we expect to duplicate if not do even better.

“It will be great for the new and younger athletes to work with kids that have some great experiences.”

Cadeo Estronza, Frankie Pujols, Josiah La Fond, and Hamaad Jenkins were the foursome that finished seventh at states in a time of 3:29.81. They earlier broke the school record of 3:27.79 at the Zephyr Invitational during the regular season, and set their own new mark at states. The foursome also ran in the 4 x 100 relay.

Besides the foursome, other Rough Riders who finished at states were Hailey Jenkins, 100, ninth; Hamaad Jenkins, 12th, 200, and 23rd, 200; Julia Harth, 100 hurdles, 25th; Lafond, 300 hurdles, 19th; and Manny Bolmer, 26th, long jump.

The Roughies’ girls’ 4 x 100 relay team was 23rd, and the boys’ 4 x 100 team was 22nd.

Other returnees expected to be steady contributors are Kayla Davis, Ruben Concepcion, Uyne Ly, Omar Pacheco, Evan DeLong, Sarina Sankari, and Jessica Mankos.

Newcomers in the mix are Adam Kosciolek, Chris Wellington, Liam McGinley, Aaron Madero, Shane Bortz, Mason Cieslak, Khloe Davis, Javaeha Lafond, Charlie Piervallo, Blake Reed, Lucas Reed, Moises Polanco, and Jermaine Santiago.

Rusnock expected this week to sort out his athletes’ spots.

“We have a lot of athletes once again,” gushed Rusnock. “This will be a big week to see where they are at, and we can take a good look at them.

“We will be strong in the sprints with Hailey and Hamaad Jenkins, Frankie Pujols, and Omar Pacheco. In the hurdles. JoJo Lafond and Julia Harth should have big years, and Manny will excel in the long jump. Evan DeLong is back in the throws and he’ll be joined by Adam Kosciolek and Aaron Madero. Jess Mankos can have a big year in the javelin, and our relays will be strong again with most of them returning.”

With his team beginning to bond, Rusnock is extremely optimistic that his club can reach another level.

“So far, we love the team chemistry and how the team is getting ready and practicing,” beamed Rusnock. “We have some new athletes that will help round out the team and score points for us in more events.

“This season is going to be exciting.”