Northampton’s storied wresting tradition is chronicled on the walls of the Pete Schneider Gymnasium, a place where Whitehall ventured last week in search of a win.

While those banners represent past glory days, the Kids are still a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, and that might was on display when they hosted the Zephyrs in a league dual meet.

Northampton won the match 72-3, with Whitehall’s lone win coming at 220, as Thomas Klotz won 7-5 in overtime.

Klotz’s bout was a reflection of the grit and determination the whole roster provided despite the outcome of their matches. They kept moving forward, something Klutz did despite being down 4-0.

After surrendering two early takedowns, Klotz turned the tables on Billy Bachiashvilli once the Kid let him loose to start the third period. Klotz closed the gap to 4-3 after a quick takedown, then immediately released Bachiashvilli in search of another takedown to tie the score. Klotz eventually controlled Bachiashvilli for the tying score, sending the match into overtime.

In the OT, Klotz quickly went for a double leg, and then brought Bachiashville to the mat for the 7-5 win.

Klotz’s comeback had Whitehall’s entire team off their seats and cheering for their teammate as he mounted that third period rally and the eventual OT win.

“That’s what we want for all our wrestlers,” said head coach Tim Cunningham. “Just don’t quit and go out and wrestle hard.”

All throughout the night, the Zephs battled every match, whether it was Jesiah Davis fighting through a cradle, or Mike Ajami getting two takedowns before succumbing to a reversal that led to a pin, the Zephyrs showed their fortitude.

Cunningham understands there’s going to be growing pains this season with such a young team. Every time on the mat is another step in the maturation process.

“It’s going to be a long season,” said Cunningham. “We have to learn to wrestle nonstop. We can’t stop after one move. We have to wrestle with pride.”

Experience will come with each varsity match, and wrestling some of the best grapplers in the state inside the EPC is often baptism by fire.

“It’s a growing process, and hopefully we can change the direction we’re going in,” said Cunningham. “We need to step it up, we need to get tougher, and start wrestling the way we’re supposed to. Bottom line is we have to get better.”

The Zephs also fell to Parkland the day before, losing 72-9. They got a win at 138 when Nikitas Davis pinned Anthony Forrugia in 1:50. They also got a victory at 195 when Tyler Oswald earned a 5-2 decision over Ethan Kilmer.

The Zephs record is now 4-4 after their trip to the Donegal Holiday Tournament last weekend.