The past has put a bit of a damper on the present for the Tamaqua wrestling program.

Due to a lack of numbers within the Junior High program over the last few years, Blue Raiders' head coach Jon Mashack has seen some struggles within the program.As a team a year ago, the Blue Raiders only mustered a single victory. The 1-17 overall record and 0-6 mark in the Schuylkill League didn't sit too well with the third year coach."I think it's a result of the last two years having low numbers from our Junior High program," Mashack said. "Last year, I believe we had about seven or eight wrestlers finish the season. Two years prior, we only had four wrestlers finish the junior high season."Plus, we lost a couple of key guys who haven't returned to our varsity squad from last season. It's something we have to work through over the next two or three years. I think it's just waiting until we start filling up from our feeder program."But, he added there's a potential for a bright future as numbers are slowing growing within the feeder program."I think we have 19 to 20 guys from our feeder program this year," Mashack said. "So, we should see some improvement in our numbers next season. But, really in two years is when we are going to start to see full varsity lineups again."The past is the past and the Blue Raiders don't want to think to far into the future however. So, the Blue Raiders need to work on what is at task at the present moment the up-and-coming 2014-15 regular season.Mashack has enough of a challenge to start with as his lineup has taken a bit of hit well before the season starts."We graduated three seniors Colin Mashack (the third all-time winningest wrestler at Tamaqua and 2014 PIAA state qualifier at 126 pounds) Adam Toth (a 17-17 record at 145 pounds), and Dustin Silkiowki (varsity starter at 138 pounds)."Meanwhile, the Blue Raiders return a trio of individuals who made some noise on the mat a year ago.Senior Dylan Rynkiewicz (138, 145 weight class) was a bronze medalist at districts and a 2014 Regional Qualifier last year at 132, who finished at 36-6 last and currently holds onto a career mark of 87-29. Sophomore Tanner McHugh (126, 132) finished fifth at districts and ended up compiling a 30-13 mark, which is Tamaqua's school record for most wins as a freshman. Senior Malik Roper (160, 170), who despite an 10-22 overall mark a year ago, brings some valuable varsity minutes back. And, according to Mashack, has worked hard in the off season and has shown significant improvement already this season.In addition to that trio of key returnees, Mashack said junior Ty Hinkle, sophomore Chance Szabo and freshman Brandon Moeder could all have nice seasons."We are walking into a match 30 points down most likely. We are going to have at least four or five forfeits," Mashack said. "Our probability is just looking into individual and head-to-head match ups and make sure we get all of our guys pushed and prepared for wrestling season and towards the off-season."While a lack of numbers might limit their team goals, Mashack and the Raiders have some individual goals in front of them.."I feel we could repeat last year's accomplishment of placing six wrestlers at leagues and three at districts," Mashack said. "We also look forward to the opportunity to return to Hershey in March."