With the conclusion of the Northeast Regionals, the Whitehall wrestling season drew to an end, closing the door on another successful season.

The Zephs finished the season at 15-7-1 overall and 5-5-1 in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference. Along the way, they had three wresters place at the District XI 3A Individual Wrestling Championships, with two of those wrestlers emerging from the district tourney to place fifth at the Regionals.

In addition, they successfully navigated the launch of the EPC this season, earning a .500 record in one of the toughest leagues in the state. They also finished 13th among 25 schools competing in the D-11 tourney this year.

One of those wrestlers who helped them achieve that team success at districts was Brad Schuler. The senior now departs the program, ending both a successful season and career for the maroon and gold. Schuler posted a 35-5 record this year, and mixed in that number was a third-place finish at the D-11 tourney.

Heading into the season, head coach Tim Cunningham was relying on that group

They'll also lose Robert Tully who finished 29-3 this season, culminating his outstanding season with a sixth-place finish at districts. Edgardo Rivera leaves the Zephyr wrestling program as well, capping his senior season with a 20-10 mark. Additionally, they lose Anthony Fragnito who divided his time between swimming and wrestling this winter.

Heading into the season, head coach Tim Cunningham was relying on that group to show the underclassman what it took to be successful. They welcomed the responsibility and helped the Zephs achieve another strong season. Cunningham said that it wasn't an easy task given the number of seniors they lost from last year's squad, opening the roster to a lot of newcomers.

"It shows a lot for Brad, Butchy [Tully] and Big E [Rivera] to take that leadership role," said Cunningham. "They showed that in the wrestling room and all year."

He said that junior Joey Gladish also embraced the responsibilities associated with being an experienced wrestler, helping the younger kids adjust to the rigors of a season.

Cunningham has always stressed that they want to build toward the postseason, improving every time they step on the match and this year was no different.

"For the most part, the guys wrestled real well toward the end of the season, and that's what you want," he said.

It will be tough losing Schuler and Rivera who have been varsity wrestlers for four years. They brought a wealth of experience, along with a competitive streak every time they stepped inside the circle.

While they lose a talented crop of wrestlers, the outlook for next year is very promising. That optimism is buttressed by the return of Gladish whose bid for a trip to Hershey fell just a match short this season. He finished the year at 33-6, earning a fourth at the D-11 tourney, and will provide a solid foundation on which to build.

They'll also return Noah Rex (22-9), as well as Tyler Schaeffer (18-4), Matt Schuler Nikitas Davis (13-16), John Kaintz (9-19), Daniel Mittura (7-17), Tyler Oswald, Jesiah Davis and Jovany Belman, all of whom logged varsity minutes on the mat this season.

"Each and everyone continued to give it their all this season," he said.

Cunningham said that currently there were 25 kids in the wrestling room as he conducted the interview. This group, made of kids from sixth to twelfth grades, was busy putting in their offseason regimen. He said the program is currently on an upswing with the number of kids participating in the sport, a good sign for the future.

However, he said their upper weights may suffer a bit with the departure of Brad Schuler and Rivera, but Gladish provides a good foundation as they look to fill those holes.

Moreover, he's pleased with the way his wresters handled themselves off the mat. While he wants them to improve every day, he firmly believes how they behave as people is what's ultimately important.

"What you learn from the sport of wrestling is not just your wins and losses," said Cunningham. "It's going about it [life] the right way."

Cunningham believes the future will be bright, noting that three junior high wrestlers had superb season and will soon be suiting up for the varsity.

Once that happens, Cunningham said they look to this current crop of upperclassmen to help mold them.