Number seven proved to be lucky when local track teams descended on the Zephyr Sports Complex to compete in the annual Zephyr Relays.

After enduring a number of years of inclement weather more indicative of December football than spring track, the relays actually had dry and fair conditions last Saturday as nine teams participated in 14 events that encompass running, jumping and throwing.

Whitehall head track coach Jim Sebesta said the conditions were favorable and that it was the best weather they ever had, a welcome change from the biting cold of precious years. It also helped that his young team performed well in the early season meet as a host of athletes had the chance to race in the relays.

"I was really happy with everything," said Sebesta. "We had nine schools competing and it was a good day all around."

When the seventh annual event at the sports complex concluded, the Stroudsburg High School boys and the North Penn High School girls, walked away with the team championships. Stroudsburg finished with 68 points topping the boys, while North Penn garnered 90 to lead the girls. Whitehall came in sixth in both the girls and boys final rankings.

Sebesta said the meet provided the ability to get a number of Zephyr athletes involved, especially those who are new to the sport. He said he limits the number of events the upperclassmen can run, careful not to overtax them this early. It's also a way to get the new members strong competition so they can get the feel of varsity action.

"We just go into it to run it, and get the younger kids involved," said Sebesta.

Whitehall had a strong showing in a number of events. Scoring is calculated as an aggregate of the team's participants in the corresponding event. They finished first in the 4x800 relay, with Brian Plucinsky, Mike Eible, J.C. Falcon, and Mike Leonhardt breaking the tape in 8:24.65. Sebesta said that it was best time in the valley so far this season, and that that having the same runners back from last year in this event is extremely beneficial since there's a familiarity with each other.

"They really ran well, and did a good job in this event," Sebesta said.

The girls 4x800 team also had a terrific race, finishing second to North Penn. The team of Christine Metrick, Natalee Rackus, Angela Stella and Emily Brand crossed the line in 10:06.85.

"They were running real well," said Sebesta, who now has some former spring soccer players to bolster his middle distance relays.

The Zephs also took home first in the girls discus with Shay Gimbel (94-08) and Mikaela Fedor (87-07) combining for the win.

The boys also fared well in the 4x400 as Eible, Brando Levano, Falcon and Leonhardt broke the tape in 3:35.57, earning second place.

The girls 4x100 also made a strong showing, finishing fourth. That team featured Decontee Krayee, Arianie Pizarro, Cassie Schmidt and Anna Gallina who turned in a time of 52.17.

"They're really a good team," said Sebesta. "They work hard."

Whitehall also had good performances in the shot, with Fedor (33-01.00) and Nicole Umbenhauer (27-11.00) combining for fourth place.

Because the focus is on getting everyone involved in at least one event, Sebesta was pleased with the results. He said that with a number of meets coming up, the emphasis was on keeping everyone loose but not burdened. It's a long season and they want to have everybody fresh.

Sebesta also commended all the volunteers and the Whitehall track family, indicating they had positive feedback from everyone who attended.

"It went off really well," said Sebesta.

The relays represent the biggest fundraiser of the year for the track program and Sebesta said it wouldn't be possible without the support and commitment from the host of volunteers.

"We received a lot of compliments on the relays." said Sebesta. "It was a great day."