With the wrestling mats stored until next winter, the Zephyr grapplers will look to build on another successful season that saw them make steady progress throughout the year.

As head coach Tim Cunningham reflected upon the year, he noted that their progress was steady and slow. He's always viewed the season using the metaphor of a long-distance run, equating it with a marathon that rewards perseverance and durability.

He guided his young team through some early tests against some potent opponents, and then helped them gain their stride which culminated in an 11-9 mark.

While he wasn't keenly interested in wins and losses, he did want his wrestlers to show improvement every time they stepped onto the mat.

"They got better as the year went along," said Cunningham. "They figured out things as they went along. They really jelled as a team."

Cunningham said that he was encouraged by their camaraderie, noting they were supportive of one another. He said their willingness to help one another demonstrated a lot of character, and underlines specifically what he tries to teach.

"We not only want to build them as wrestlers, but as individuals," said Cunningham.

While he would have enjoyed seeing more of his wrestlers advance, he understood that things don't always work out and that each match is a learning experience.

This year Matt Bonshak was the lone wrestler to make it out of the District 11 tournament. He finished third at districts, but his fourth place finish at Regionals prevented him from making it back to the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association tourney.

Bonshak's mark on the program will leave a lasting legacy. He was a district and regional champ, and amassed over 100 wins during his career. More than that, however, Cunningham said that Bonshak led by example, helping his teammates any way he could.

"Matt really helped us throughout the year," said Cunningham.

While his departure will leave a big void, they'll also lose valuable seniors You Te Chen and Shiwalla Singh. Cunningham said they all led by example and were great character kids.

Still, the cupboard is not bare. The Zephs return the bulk of their line-up, with a number of wrestlers ranked among the top in the Valley ready to don the maroon and gold again. That group includes Fouad Haddad, Nico Kauffman, Robert Tully, Brad Schuler and Matt Schuler.

Also returning are Tyler Bridgwood, Adel Sharif and Edgardo Rivera, all of whom had an impact on the program this season.

Cunningham said that it's a real promising group and he's excited about their attitude and work ethic, indicating they've all ready been inside the weight room preparing for the next season. He said the returnees have also benefited from seniors Chen, Singh and Joshua Howell who have lent their time in the weight room to aid their teammates.

"They want to give back what they got from the program," said Cunningham.

Cunningham knows that preparation for a successful year begins much earlier than the winter sports season. And with the turnout he's had so far is bound to help them come next season

"As of right now, we're building on this during the offseason," Cunningham said.

These wrestlers will form the foundation for next year, one in which they hope will mean a long and enduring marathon.