The Whitehall wrestling team is eager for the challenge heading into the 2014-15 season.

Part of that challenge lies in competing in a new conference that pits them against strong competition throughout the 18-team league. Unlike most sports in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, wrestling will have no divisions. That means the Zephs will dive right into league matches as soon as the bell rings on Dec. 10.

That challenge will be embraced by head coach Tim Cunningham who feels the key to becoming a better team lies in facing strong competition. That will be adequately satisfied as they face a number of perennial powerhouses, including Easton, Northampton, Nazareth and Bethlehem Catholic High Schools. Those squads finished among the top 10 in team scoring at last year's D-11 tourney.

"The new league creates new challenges which as a coaching staff we look as opportunities to get better, not obstacles," said Cunningham. "This will challenge each wrestler to compete at a high level every time they go out and wrestle."

The Zephs finished 16-9 last season, relying on a strong corps of experienced wrestlers who helped make the year successful. They lose 12 wrestlers from that group, with three of those wrestlers finishing sixth in last year's District XI AAA Individual Wrestling Tournament.

However, they still retain a strong nucleus led by seniors Robert Tully, Brad Schuler and Edgardo Rivera, along with junior Joseph Gladish. Both Tully and Gladish were among the five Zephs who placed sixth, while Rivera and Schuler both had a strong dual meet seasons, finishing 19-5 and 24-4, respectively.

Cunningham is confident in his returning class, noting that they'll rely on their experience as they look to improve each time they step on the mat.

"Brad Schuler (170 lbs.-182 lbs.), Robert Tully (152 lbs. -160 lbs.), Edgardo Rivera (Hwt.) and Joe Gladish (195 lbs.-220 lbs.) have been leaders since the off season and lead by example," said Cunningham. "The team will have to work hard everyday to improve and prepare for the post-season. We are gearing this year with this group toward peaking at the end of the season when it matters."

Another part of the challenge is having a relatively young team that may experience some growing pains as they begin the dual meet season, clashing with Easton Area High in their second match of the year on Dec. 11. It immediately follows their opener against East Stroudsburg South High School.

"We should be a pretty good tournament team, but will struggle in dual meets due to inexperience and a few forfeits," said Cunningham. "We need to stay positive and motivated and base our success in dual meets according to the overall performance of each wrestler."

The Zephs will feature a lot of newcomers that will bolster their chances for having another strong season.

"We have a few guys wrestling that will add to the success to our program as the season goes on," said Cunningham.

That list includes Nikitas Davis (126 lbs.-132 lbs.), Tyler Schaeffer (132 lbs. -138 lbs.), John Kaintz (138 lbs.-145 lbs.), Dan Miturra (160 lbs.-170 lbs.), Jessiah Davis (160 lbs.), Matt Schuler (138 lbs.-145 lbs.) and Tyler Oswald (182 lbs.-195 lbs.).

The Zephs will also rely on Anthony Fragnito Nicholas Guerra, Gavin Morber, Jacob Sinkowski, Jovany Belman, Kyle Snyder, Luis Arzola, Andy Galarza, Jakyi McFarlane, Marwin Rajha, Mike Ajami, Nicholas Velazquez, Noah Rex, Oliver Castillo, Rafat Yacoub and Tom Klotz to contribute.