The Hawks wrestling team placed 14th as a squad and put three individuals on the podium at the Eastern Area Tournament at Gateway High School on Friday, Dec. 7 and Saturday, Dec 8.

They racked up a total of 67.5 team points, which put them 14th among the 23 teams who competed.

Junior Parker Loera finished third in the 138-pound weight class. He went 4-1 at the tournament, which included two pins and a major decision.

In 182-pound weight class, junior Riley O’Mara finished 3-3 and took 6th place, which included two pins.

Senior Jake Dowell went 4-1 in the 220-pound weight class and took 3rd place as well. He finished with two pins, a major decision, and a tech fall.

“The level of competition was impressive. There was a lot of hard work from all the Bethel kids, so expect more from all of us,” O’Mara said.

The Hawks look to try to start the season off 1-0 when they host section foe and rival Upper St. Clair in a huge match on Wednesday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at The Nest.