The chance for the Zephyr qualifiers to make the finals of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association's Track and Field Championships was derailed May 24, ending their season for 2013.

Both the boys 4x800 relay team and 800 participant, Angela Stella, missed the cut for the final round, closing the chapter on an excellent season for the Whitehall contingent.

During Friday's preliminaries, Stella competed in the second heat of the 800 meters, finishing in 2:25.18. That mark didn't qualify for the AAA finals in that race, but it did provide valuable insight for the junior.

Stella said that the trip to Seth Grove Stadium at Shippensburg University "was a lot of fun." It also gave her a glimpse into the machinations of a PIAA event where officials were adamant about getting runners in position and on time.

"It was kind of scary and intimidating," said Stella as the threat of disqualification loomed with these admonitions.

When the Whitehall group arrived at Shippensburg on May 23, Stella said it was "blistering hot," but that quickly changed into near winter conditions when her preliminary race rolled around on Friday morning.

Head coach Jim Sebesta said that gusts approached 40 mph at times, impacting the times for everyone involved.

"It was the coldest state track meet I've ever seen," said Sebesta.

Stella said that she had to make some adjustments when running in such windy conditions.

"You just had to brace for it and lean into it," she said. "It was the windiest race I ever ran in my life."

Sebesta said that Stella gave a tremendous effort against the best the state had to offer.

"I was really happy with the way she ran," said Sebesta.

Stella also said that competing at the PIAA event served as a learning experience and a chance to mingle with other "family" members. Stella indicated that athletes who compete in the same event form a bond, and they have a lot in common despite being opponents.

That spirit was alive when she watched the finals, cheering on Emmaus High School's Hanna Brosky who finished 8th in the event.

While her hopes faded on Friday, Stella said the trip was something she'll long remember.

"Overall, it was a really great experience," said Stella.

As for the boys, the group of Michael Leonhardt, J.C. Falcon, Michael Eible and Brian Plucinsky picked the worst time to run their slowest time of the year. Sebesta said that they just couldn't get on track, finishing their heat in 8:51.42.

Still, Sebesta said that the state meet won't overshadow what the group accomplished this season, twice setting the school record in the 4x800.

"They had a great year, I can't take that away from them," Sebesta said.

With the season over, Stella said she'll let her body recover a bit before she starts training again. Her goal is to make it back to the PIAA Championships, and hopefully qualify by finishing among the top two runners in the district.

"I want to do it again next year because it was a really great experience," said Stella.

Sebesta said that once again, the kids he took to states represented Whitehall with class and dignity.

"Overall, I was happy with they way everyone performed," he said.