An extra set of eyes has been instrumental in helping the Whitehall golf team turn 2016 into their best season in quite some time.

They’re currently 3-10 and could easily be 4-9, losing by a single point to Freedom last week.

Those sets belong to assistant coaches Mike Rile and Will Gruppo. They’ve helped steer the program into its current state of competitiveness in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference.

Head coach John Conrad said that Rile, a middle school teacher, approached him last year after the season and asked if he needed any help. Rile was a former golfer at Whitehall and he wanted to get involved in the program.

As a volunteer, Conrad has come to appreciate Rile’s dependability and his dedication to the program.

“He hasn’t missed a practice yet,” said Conrad, noting that he’s stayed long hours helping the kids.

As for Gruppo, Conrad said that he’s in the process of getting his pro card. Conrad said that Gruppo brings a technical element to the program. As a skilled golfer, he can spot flaws in the players’ swings and help them make adjustments.

“That’s been a valuable tool in that regard,” said Conrad.

Their scores have reflected that this season. They’ve consistently shot in the mid-400s this season. Last year they were in the 500s, save a couple of matches, said Conrad.

Even though they lost to Northampton on Tuesday, they still shot a round of 461. Last year they shot a 523.

“It’s been night and day with how much better we are this year than we were last year,” said Conrad.

Patrick Skinner led the way with an 83, once again the top finisher for the Zephs. Tyler Ringenberger posted a 93, while Leah Coleman and Ben Antonchak both shot 94, and Hunter Kern turned in a 97.

Conrad is also excited about the number of players he’ll have back next season as this year is coming to a close. They begin their EPC tournament next week, and then after that district play begins.

The Zephs will take their top five players into next week’s EPC tourney. Conrad said that a decision on who that will be is still pending.

In the Freedom match, the two teams were tied at 472. Scores are compiled by taking the top five rounds from each team. Teams may have as many as eight or nine players competing during a match. Freedom won the match by virtue of having the better score of the next lowest finishers from each team.

While it would have been a nice feather in the cap for the program, they’ve demonstrated how far they’ve come since Conrad took over the reins. Last year they lost to the Patriots by 84 strokes.

Skinner paced the entire field, shooting an 85. Antonchak was second for the Zephs with a 91. Kern followed with a 92, while Coleman had a 101 and Ringenberger shot a 102.

The Zephs also had their lowest round of the season with a 453-625 win over East Stroudsburg North. Skinner put his stamp on the match with a 75 to lead all players.