For many schools, fielding a full wrestling lineup is a difficult task.

During a pandemic, the job seems like it would be even tougher.

At Lehighton, though, the sport seems to be growing.

Not only do the Indians look like they’ll fill every weight class this season, but there could be more than one wrestler at many of those spots.

“One of our strengths is definitely our numbers,” said head coach Floyd Brown, whose team posted a 5-10 record last year. “We are hoping to be able to fill all of the weight classes this season. We have a number of experienced wrestlers returning, and a talented bunch of newcomers ready to step into the lineup.”

As of now, there are 26 wrestlers on the Lehighton roster. Included among them are eight seniors.

Those upperclassmen will be looked to for more than just wins on the mat.

“Our senior class has done a great job of stepping up as leaders thus far,” said Brown. “They have done a great job of leading by example in the practice room and the weight room.”

One of those seniors, Richard Fronheiser, is coming off a 24-8 season and a fourth-place finish at districts. Fronheiser, who qualified for regionals, will be at 172 pounds. Classmates Steven Fritzinger (138 pounds) and Mike Yeakel (285) are also coming off solid seasons.

So are sophomore Nick Zeigenfuss, who will be at 132, and junior Lukas Ferguson, slotted to start at 126.

“I think we have a number of kids who could do well in the postseason,” said Brown. “Richard Fronheiser is the first to come to mind, as he was a regional qualifier last year, and we expect him to take the next step this year.

“Nick Zeigenfuss was a district place winner last year, as well. Lukas Ferguson, Steven Fritzinger, and Mike Yeakel are all coming off winning seasons last year.”

Other seniors cracking the lineup could be Jimmy Salerno (120), Jon Ahner (145) and Chance Neeb (152).

Junior Gauge Hartney could get the nod at 215, while a number of freshmen will battle for spots at 106, 113 and 189, as well as other weight classes. Some of those ninth graders include AJ Versuk, Jacob Hall, Ethan Long, Aidan Gruber, Reese Scaturro, Camryn Dimmitt, James Traylor, Wyatt Scherer, Kai Phillips and Reese Balk.

Also on the roster are seniors Chris Fisher and Darrell Hull, juniors Nolan Stein, Tyler Unangst-Williams and Ricky Houser, and sophomores Miranda Gangale and Layla Bravo.

“The expectations for this season are to be competitive in all our dual meets, and advance some wrestlers through the postseason and hopefully to the state tournament,” said Brown, who lost regional qualifier Lucas Sanguiliano along with Brett Gasker, Alex Zeigenfuss, Mason Ferguson, Shannef Carter and David Miller from last year’s team.

In order to be successful, the team will not only have to be concerned with its opponents and staying healthy, but also deal with wearing masks while competing.

“The kids have been doing a great job practicing under the guidelines,” said Brown, whose team is scheduled to open the season Dec. 15 against Tri-Valley. “Wearing a mask to wrestle and work out certainly has been a challenge, but these guys have been excellent with it.

“They know that in order to have a season, that is what we have to do at this point.”