In an individual sport such as wrestling, an athlete must rely solely upon himself if he wants to prevail.

It’s like that in the classroom as well since the final outcome on a test or any other endeavor rests solely with the student.

Wrestlers also need to be problem solvers, finishing a way to break through an opponent’s defense, or extricating themselves from a potentially dangerous situation that may result in an abrupt end to their match.

That’s one of the reasons Whitehall head coach Tim Cunningham stresses academics since it helps shape the student-athlete and prepares them for their future.

Recently two Zephyrs were honored for both their outstanding work in the classroom as well as the mat. Every year the Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Association (PCWA) names its All-Academic Honor Roll. This list is compiled from nominations supplied by the head coaches, and weaves a wrestler’s winning percentage together with their Grade Point Average (GPA) to give them a final score. It’s broken down into first, second, and third teams, with a nod to some Honorable mentions as well. It’s also divided by grade, with seniors, junior and sophomores eligible for the distinction.

Senior Noah Rex was named to the second team, posting a 3.77 GPA while compiling a 22-7 record on the mat this season.

Also making the grade was Caleb Staub whose 4.00 GPA and 17-5 record this season landed him on the first team. Staub, who’s also a distance runner on the track team, will be a strong building unblock for the Zephyrs next season.

While Rafat Yacoub’s record prevented him from getting an official nod, the senior shined in the classroom and was part of Whitehall’s Scholastic Scrimmage team this year. He’s someone who Cunningham relied upon to help the team wherever it was needed. His contribution was invaluable.

Cunningham said that it’s important to succeed in the classroom as well as on the mat, giving them a strong foundation on which to build as they grow at Whitehall.

“Both Noah and Caleb are excellent student-athletes,” said Cunningham. “They excel in the classroom and on the wrestling mat. Our coaching staff’s main goal is to have complete student athletes where they understand academics come before athletics. Both these athletes, as well as numerous other wrestlers, exemplify the true meaning of student-athlete.”