Rebuilding seasons are never easy, but with hard work and determination there can still be success.

The Binghamton University wrestling team completed its first season this weekend at the Colonial Athletic Association Championship, on the campus of Drexel University. The Bearcats sent six wrestlers to compete, and each of them picked up at least one win against some tough competition.

”I thought everyone wrestled well,” said head coach Tony Robie. “Going to the CAA’s, everyone knows that they can be competitive within the conference. Everyone has seen a significant improvement in their wrestling and if they all commit themselves to working hard there is no reason that we can’t send multiple wrestlers to the NCAA tournament in the future.”

Highlighting BU’s performance this weekend were freshmen 149-pound Nate Patterson and 157-pound Chris Wade, each coming up with fourth place finishes.

“I was very happy with how Nate and Chris performed,” Robie said. “Both of them finished higher than the seeds they were given. Performing this well on such a high level as true freshmen is an indication that they can win the conference title in the future.”

Overall, the team finished with zero dual meet victories during the regular season, but finished ninth in the 11-team conference. Next season is still far away, but Robie now knows what to expect from his first group of recruits.

“It will still be a struggle next season,” Robie said. “The focus right now is to bring in more recruits. When next year does roll around, we will be better than we were this season and much more competitive.”