The 2020-21 season was supposed to be a much anticipated one for the Northern Lehigh wrestling program.

The Bulldogs were hoping to put last year’s 2-18 record behind them, and shoot for the stars this season.

But the pandemic has abruptly stuck a fork in those plans.

“We have been looking forward to this season for a few years now,” head coach Scott Snyder said. “We have been struggling with numbers for some period of time, and felt we would finally be able to produce a full, or close to full, lineup. Unfortunately, COVID-19 derailed those plans. Now we are left with four returning wrestlers.”

Instead of losing just one wrestler (Preston Bauer) to graduation and entering the year with nearly a full lineup, the Bulldogs will only have a handful of athletes working out in the wrestling room.

A number of wrestlers chose to opt out this season due to COVID-19, a decision the fifth-year mentor said he respects.

“As kids, I am sure it was a difficult decision to make, and I commend them for doing what they believe is the right thing,” Snyder said. “Our coaching staff is still in their corner and hopes to see them on the mat again next season.

“For now, we will make the best of the season ahead of us. These guys have been putting in quality practices given the circumstances, and I have no doubt they will keep it up throughout the season.”

Northern Lehigh will only have four wrestlers on its roster, though three of them are highly talented and heavily seasoned.

Seniors Brenden Smay (120 pounds) and Joshua Schaffer (285) hope to make the most out of their final varsity season, while junior Trevor Amorim (152) is also back for the Bulldogs.

Amorim and Schaffer are looking for the chance to finish some unfinished business, as both were district runners-up last season. The two qualified for regionals, where Schaffer finished fourth and earned a trip to states.

“I think all three will be highly competitive this season, and have an excellent opportunity to advance deep into the post season, if allowed the opportunity come February,” Snyder said.

Joining the Bulldogs’ trio and looking to make a name for himself is sophomore Jonathan Zemlansky, who will compete at 145 pounds.

Amorim rattled off an impressive 32-8 mark last season, while Smay finished with an impressive 22-8 mark. Schaffer, meanwhile, was 29-13 overall. Amorim and Schaffer were named to the First Team All-Times News squad last season, while Smay was recognized with a Second Team honor.

“I think our strength comes in experience,” Snyder said. “We have two returning district runners-up in our lineup, as well as a senior who is coming off a junior year that had much regular season success. We are only putting four kids on the mat, so our chances of winning a dual meet have been dramatically decreased.

“This will allow our wrestlers to focus on simply stepping on the mat and taking care of the opponent in front of them, rather than trying to score bonus points or not give up bonus points. They should be excited for the opportunity to just go out and wrestle.”

While Snyder would have loved for everything to fall into place this season, instead he will watch his four guys give it their all for however long the season lasts.

That includes those dual meets, where the head coach will have his own system of scoring.

“Our goal going into dual meets this year is simple, outscore opposing teams in contested bouts,” Snyder said. “We can’t worry about the scoreboard, because it really doesn’t matter to us in this position.

“I have no doubt our wrestlers will make the best of this situation, and I am excited to see them compete again.”