When the Whitehall girls basketball team takes the court this winter, there'll be a new face guiding the team on the bench, but the surroundings won't be unfamiliar for the new man in charge.

As a former athletic director at Pen Argyl High School, Dwight Repsher would often fill in for Whitehall A.D. Robert Hartman when duties took Hartman elsewhere. Repsher, who spent 17 years as the Green Knights A.D., described these moments as "game managing," tending to the box office, paying the officials, and making sure everything runs smoothly. It was in this capacity that Repsher became acquainted with Whitehall High School.

"I know some of the people down there," said Repsher whose résumé includes a stop at Moravian College as the men's assistant basketball coach for eight years. "I was always interested in Whitehall High School, and the bigger school dynamics."

Now he'll be part of the athletic coaching staff as The Whitehall-Coplay School District formally announced his hiring according to a recent press release.

Repsher takes over the program run by Rick Worman for the last seven years. Worman compiled a 48-116 record, twice leading the Zephyrs to postseason appearances during that span. He was also named co-coach of the year for the 2008-2009 season by an area publication.

Worman, whose tenure lasted a total of 19 years at Whitehall, both as an assistant and a head coach, leaves after his second stint at the helm of the program.

Worman said that it was his understanding that Whitehall wanted to head in another direction.

Repsher said that he's excited about the opportunity and looks forward to making sure it's a positive experience for the kids he coaches. He said that basketball, and all interscholastic sports, are part of the entire educational process that allows students to grow and flourish.

Hartman said that Repsher brings a wealth of experience to the bench. In addition to his college stint, Repsher coached the Pen Argyl boys team for eight years, taking them to the district finals two times during that stretch.

"We are incredibly excited to be able to hire a coach with Coach Repsher's character, experience, and integrity," said Hartman. "His basketball knowledge is outstanding and he knows how to organize and run quality programs.

"He's worked with student-athletes for his entire career. It was great to be able to hear coach [Repsher] talk about this team from the first time we spoke. There was a genuine excitement in his voice and mannerisms. Coach will have the opportunity to take a talented group of young student-athletes in our program and motivate them and mold them to be successful. It is a very exciting day for Whitehall girls' basketball."

Repsher said that he'll take some time to evaluate the program, which will keep him on the sidelines during summer basketball as varsity assistants take over the reins.

"I'll need a chance to see exactly what we have," said Repsher. "That way we know exactly what we're dealing with."

He know that it's going to be a process since the Zephs play in a tough division of the Lehigh Valley Conference. The most important thing is creating strong bonds.

"It's going to be about building a relationship with them," he said.

Repsher also said that he wants to create situations that puts "our player in their best skill set so we can take advantage of their talent."

As he embarks on this new journey, Repsher has a simple goal.

"I plan on winning a little bit," he said.