With the calendar flipping to summer, the spring sports season has run its course at Whitehall, and with it a number of outstanding track and field athletes also bid farewell.

It was another successful season for the Zephyrs. The boys finished 6-3 and were in the hunt for a share of the Lehigh Valley Conference title until the final week of the season. The girls finished 5-4 and were competitive in every meet.

Head coach Jim Sebesta said that it was a remarkable year, especially for the boys. They came into the season determined to win every meet, and nearly accomplished that feat, their only losses by a handful of points. They were second in team scoring in the LVC Championships, and qualified seven athletes to the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Championships at Shippensburg.

"I just thought they had an excellent year," said Sebesta. "They had a will to win and a passion to compete that carried through the whole year."

He said they came into the year focused and ready to take on the challenges of a tough LVC schedule. They may not have the numbers that other schools have, but they never shied away from competition.

"They did what needed to be done," Sebesta said.

The season also featured a 4x800 team that established a school record, setting it the final time in a thrilling come-from-behind victory in the District XI Championships.

It was a season to remember, and now the page will be turned as the boys graduate a number of talented athletes.

The Zephs will lose Kyleem Harrison, a versatile athlete who could pick up points in the hurdles, jumps, and even sprints. He was one of the seven qualifiers, earning that distinction in the 110 meter hurdles.

Also graduating is J.C., Falcon. Falcon was another valued member of the versatility gang, competing in the high jump and 4x800 relay.

Brian Plucinsky is another senior who will say good-bye to the oval at the Zephyr Sports Complex. He competed in the distance races as well as the 4x800 relay, a runner that was in the mix every race.

Nick Nejad also graduates. Nejad's consistency in the javelin earned him a trip to the PIAA championships, and he was also adept at throwing the discus that earned the Zephs points throughout the year.

Isaiah Cary is another talented senior who is leaving the program. He was a strong contender in the triple jump this season, narrowly missing a chance to head to Shippensburg this year.

While their accomplishments on the track will sorely be missed, their biggest impact was via their leadership. Sebesta said that the examples they set through their hard work and commitment served as a valuable lesson to the underclassmen.

"They showed the younger kids how to practice and how to prepare for a meet," said Sebesta. "They showed great leadership."

Sebesta said that void will have to be filled, and believes he has the returning athletes who can apply those lessons learned from those five.

The Zephs also lose seniors Logan Comstock, Jeffrey Cordon, Michael Eible, Daniel El-Hajj, Somar Hanna, Scott Howett, Kurt Koehler, Joseph Scherer and Luke Szewczak.

Sebesta said they'll be losing a lot of points again, but they'll have a good foundation on which to build.

Two members of their 4x800 team return as Andrew Frisch and Calvin Schneck will look to get back to states next year,

Also returning is Gabe Lamm who qualified for states in the 3,200. He'll anchor their distance races next season, while Elliot Miller will look to ascend in the pole vault.

Also returning will be Andrew Hawk and Zachary Hixson, as well as Ronny Okungu in the sprints.

Sebesta believes if they can get some more kids enrolled in the program, they may find another Frisch who seemingly "came out of nowhere" to become a member of the record-setting 4x800 team.

He said that they'll be strong in some areas, but they'll need the returning members "to step up" and keep a strong boys team atop the conference.

The girls also had a good year, and in many ways may have been stronger than the boys across the board. Sebesta said that it was a strong year among the LVC teams, and the girls record suffered a bit from injury and that robust field.

"I just thought they were outstanding all year," said Sebesta.

The girls don't lose as many points to graduation as the boys. However, leaving the program will be two-time state qualifier Angela Stella. Stella was in many ways the heartbeat of the program, consistently finishing in the top three every race. She also set another school record in the 800 this year at 2:17.48.

Also leaving will be senior Kelsey Millets who competed in the pole vault and jumps.

They also lose sprinter Arianie Pizarro who was among a strong group of runners for the Zephs. Additionally, Madison Scarfaro, a talented thrower who nabbed points in the discus, will graduate.

They Zephs will also say good-bye to seniors Sarah Schannauer, Jennifer Davis and Rhiannon Harwi.

Sebesta said everyone played an integral part in the season, and that their contributions will be greatly missed.

The girls return a bountiful group of sprinters led by Decontee Krayee, Kourtney Cunningham, Kylee Cunningham, Anna Gallina and Iman Azim. This should be a strong area for the girls next season as they look to improve on a good year in 2014.

They also return Ivanna Jones, a versatile athlete who can grab points in a number of areas. She was a solid jumper throughout the year, and will anchor a strong returning field. That group includes Taylor Hamscher and Natalie Saraceni.

Additionally, Alyssa Holland emerged as a top notch hurdler this season and will be poised to have another strong season next spring. Madison Walker is another experienced runner that returns, along with Alexandra Dorner and Hannah Gill.

In the distance races, Emily Brand and Heather Busch will return to lead to set the tone in those two events.

Sebesta said that the girls should be strong next season, with a young but experienced team.

"I'm excited about what they can do," he said.