Wrestling may be an individual sport, but Josh and Cassidy Merkel have never approached it alone.

The Palmerton siblings, both standouts on their respective wrestling teams, have grown up in the sport — and grown closer because of it. With another wrestling season behind them, the bond they share as siblings and student-athletes continues to drive them, and inspire those around them.

“It was pretty good for me,” Josh said of his senior season, which included a fifth place finish at districts. “It just went way better than last year and that was my goal — to get a lot more wins, to work on new stuff. It turned out really well.”

The Times News is continuing its series following Josh and Cassidy Merkel for a project entitle “Following the Dream,” which strives to bring the community closer, rallying around area student athletes. We follow their journey as they balance the demands of maintaining a high level of athletic performance, while also achieving their goals both in the classroom and contributing in the community.

The wrestling season marked a shift in culture for the Blue Bombers, both in approach and intensity. Practices were longer. Conditioning sessions were harder. The coaching staff, which included some new faces, took a more hands-on approach. And it paid off.

“It was probably one of the hardest seasons, but every second of it was definitely worth it,” Josh said. “This is our last time with these kids we’ve been wrestling with since we were five. It’s really important for us to put it all together and make sure this year is the best year we could have.

Cassidy, a junior and one of the team’s captains, took her leadership role seriously — especially when it came to helping younger wrestlers feel confident and welcomed.

“I feel like me and the other captains try our best to lead the girls and just show them good examples of what to do, what not to do,” she said. “I’m really proud of how they’ve come along.”

Cassidy highlighted teammate Nickayla Tomsic’s first-place finish at the District 11 junior high tournament as a moment of pride for the program — and a sign of how visibility and success are growing girls wrestling in Palmerton.

“Wrestling can seem like a really scary thing to work for,” she said. “So seeing girls improve and place really helps attract other girls to the team. Even after the season started ending, I had girls come up to me and ask when off-season was starting. That was really exciting.”

The enthusiasm is contagious. Whether varsity or junior high, Josh and Cassidy both said the dedication of their teammates motivates them to give everything they have.

“These kids are all in,” Josh said. “Guys like Derek (King), Connor (Messinger), Dillon (Lombardi) — they’ve been here in the summer, been here all the time. They’re giving it their all, and we all want to do well for each other.”

The offseason is just as busy as the season. Cassidy plans to continue training at clinics and camps, including one with top wrestlers Savannah Witt (Palisades) and Aubre Krazer (Easton). Josh, meanwhile, has eased into tennis while turning his focus toward academic and leadership pursuits.

“I’ll stay active with tennis — it’s not as demanding — and then I’ll have time for things like FBLA states and other competitions,” he said. “That’ll be my time to focus on school and wrapping things up.”

Both siblings are heavily involved in their school and community. Cassidy is also a member of the track and field team in the spring.

“I’ve always liked being as involved in as many things as possible,” he said. “It’s a way for me to be well-rounded but also involved in the school. I think it’s great to try and make a little bit of an impact, but also just have fun with it.”

Cassidy focuses more heavily on athletics, but said she still finds time for hobbies outside of wrestling, which helps keep her centered.

For both, the balance between sports, school and other commitments has helped them grow not only as athletes, but as leaders and role models.

“I’m just really excited for next season,” Cassidy said. “I want to be as prepared as possible and enjoy it as much as I can.”

For Josh, the final weeks of his senior season were a time to reflect — and to appreciate what he and his teammates have built.

“This year has been such an amazing year for all of us,” he said. “It’s sad to know it will be the end, but great to acknowledge everything we accomplished. The bonds will still be there. Just because the season ends doesn’t mean the experience stops.”

And for Josh and Cassidy Merkel, the experience has always been something they’ve shared — together.