Much like eggnog and candy canes, the Zephyr Duals has become one of the staples of the holiday season.

This year's Zephyr Duals held Jan. 3 featured 15 teams, with Wyaluisng Valley Sr./Jr. High School winning the tournament. The Rams claimed the championship after defeating Emmaus High School 41-33 in the finals. They clinched the victory by winning eight of the 14 bouts, five by pins.

The tourney, which has been hosted by Whitehall for at least 17 years according to athletic director Robert Hartman, brings together a number of teams from a wide variety of conferences and leagues throughout eastern Pennsylvania.

This year's tournament featured East Stroudsburg South High School, Mahanoy Area High School, Northern Lehigh High School, Pen Argyl High School, William Allen High School, Emmaus High School, Hughesville High School, Southern Lehigh High School, LaSalle College High School, Northwestern Lehigh High School, Pocono Mountain East High School, Souderton High School, Quakertown High School, Wyalusing Valley High School and Whitehall High School.

In the consolation round, Whitehall defeated Souderton 42-30. The Zephs were able to win eight matches which allowed them to advance to the consolation finals. The Zephs got strong performances from a host of grapplers, including Tyler Schaeffer who decisioned Christian Nolte, 4-0.

Matt Schuler also earned a decision, defeating Ricky Romaniello 8-5 at 145 lbs. At 160, Robert Tully pinned Josh Baker in 1:36, while Brad Schuler also got his opponent flat, decking William Puppo in 1:12. Joe Gladish recorded a pin as well, giving Logan Moore a rafter view in 2:11. Jesiah Davis, Edgardo Rivera and Tyler Oswald all won be forfeit.

In the match for fifth place, Whitehall faced Quakertown. They lost that match 40-27, finishing in sixth place. The Zephs took six matched against the Panthers, with Noah Rex getting the 5-2 decision over Daulton Kline at 113.

Tyler Schaffer was a multiple winner for the Zephs, pinning Brendan Rosenberger in 4:53. Robert Tully continued to have a strong season for the Zephs, earning a 17-1 tech fall over Nick Basile.

At 170, Brad Schuler got a major decision over Nick Bonomo, 9-0. Heavyweight Edgardo Rivera earned a hard fought 1-0 decision over Justin Correa, while Dan Mittura won by forfeit.

Whitehall head coach Tim Cunningham said that the success of the tournament is the byproduct of a dedicated athletic office.

"Bob Hartman does a great job running this tournament and keeping it competitive with most teams be very close with the same level of talent, giving everyone an opportunity to win at least a few matches and every so often place high in the tournament," said Cunningham.

After posting those wins in the tourney, which also included a win over Hughesville, the Zephs are now 8-1-1 (2-1-1 in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference).

Additionally, Whitehall has some wrestlers among the area's best in the latest rankings by local publications.

Making Honorable Mention are Joe Gladish (15-2) at 195, Brad Schuler (15-2) at 170, Robert Tully at 152 and Matt Schuler (15-3) at 138.