The Whitehall track and field team didn't spend the winter hibernating, only to emerge once the clink of starting blocks sounded the arrival of spring at the Zephyr Sports Complex.

No, they were honing their skills during the bleak days of winter, competing at Albright College in Reading as well as Kutztown University.

Head coach Jim Sebesta said the Zephs averaged about 40 kids during the winter indoor season, the majority of whom were newcomers trying to get acclimated to varsity competition. While he had a stable of young, raw athletes, Sebesta said it's a good crop of kids who should get better with each passing meet.

"They're just a good group of kids," said Sebesta. "They're hard workers. We just have a lot of young kids who have never competed [in track] before."

Sebesta said the indoor meets afford them the opportunity to try different events while facing quality competition from area schools.

"It gets them used to competition," said Sebesta. "Any time they step on the track, it's a good thing."

Sebesta said they opted for smaller events this year, focusing their attention on two meets held at Albright College. This gave the team a chance to have some good results. He said these boutique meets also help boost confidence.

"They actually got to compete and win some events," said Sebesta. "It's always good when your hard work pays off."

At the Albright College High School Invitational held Jan. 16, Whitehall claimed a number of firsts, including the 3,200 which was won by Brian Plucinsky and Kyleem Harrison's top mark in the triple jump (43-00.50).

Also faring well at the meet were sprinter Decontee Krayee who finished second in the 55 meter dash, while distance runner Heather Busch was second in the 3,200. In the 400 meter race, Michael Leonhardt broke the tape in 56.10, earning second place, and Justin Sommer and Gabe Lamm, finished second and third, respectively in the 1,600. Jean Carlos Falcon earned second place in the high jump, while the boys 4x440 relay team came in third at 4:10.9.

In the other Albright meet on Feb. 6, they also nabbed a number of firsts, including John Johnson in the 55 meter dash (6.94), Heather Busch in the 3,200 (15:01.34), and Michael in the 800 who hit the tape in 2:09.00.

They also competed in the Golden Bear Invitational at Kutztown University on Jan 12. In that large field that featured over 50 schools, the Zephs got strong performances from Falcon who was 4th in the high jump at 5-8, while Kyleem Harrison finished 7th in the long jump. They also finished 5th in the 4x800 relay, clocking in at 9:19.04.

The girls were paced by Krayee who was 16th in the 55 meter dash.

Sebesta also said that four athletes narrowly missed qualifying for the state indoor meet as Falcon, Johnson, Leonhardt, Harrison., Plucinsky, Busch and Krayee had solid performances throughout the season.

He was also encouraged by the performances of newcomers Lamm and Calvin Schneck, both milers who should be major contributors once the outdoor season begins.

Their preparation also included working inside the gym, using plyometrics and bounding boxes to help with their muscle training to increase speed and power.

Sebesta said that they were ready and eager to do all the activities that will help them get ready for the spring season, citing the large turnout he witnessed as evidence.

"They really worked hard during the winter," said Sebesta. "These kids all ready have a leg up on the outdoor season."