Whitehall High School will induct Rick Bowman, Courtney Cunningham, Dean Kriebel, and Elizabeth (Powell) Dietrich into its hall of fame.

Rick Bowman,

Class of 1972

Bowman was a standout multisport athlete, earning varsity letters in baseball and football. A four-year member of the varsity baseball team, he led Whitehall in hitting during the 1971 and 1972 seasons and helped guide the team to Lehigh Valley League and District 11 championships in 1972. In football, Bowman earned honorable mention All-Lehigh Valley League recognition as a defensive back.

He continued his baseball career at Lehigh County Community College, earning All-Conference honors, before graduating from East Stroudsburg University with a degree in health and physical education.

Bowman later dedicated decades to education and athletics, serving as a baseball coach and spending 35 years as a PIAA basketball official. He retired as a health and physical education instructor and currently works part-time at Twin Lakes Golf Course.

Kourtney

Cunningham,

Class of 2015

Cunningham is one of the most accomplished athletes in school history. A four-year varsity starter in soccer, she scored 122 career goals, the second-highest total in program history, and ranked second all-time in assists. She was a four-time All-Conference and All-Area selection, an All-State honoree, and scored the game-winning goals in Whitehall’s only two District Championship victories.

She also earned varsity honors in field hockey and track and field, setting school records and earning district medals.

Cunningham continued her soccer career at the collegiate level, earning All-Conference honors and finishing among her program’s career leaders in goals, assists, and points. She currently resides in Whitehall and is employed as a Digital Sales Manager.

Dean Kriebel,

Class of 1986

Kriebel starred in basketball at Whitehall, earning two All-Conference selections and helping lead the team to a District Championship in 1985. He also competed in track and field as a high jumper.

He went on to an outstanding collegiate basketball career at Lock Haven University, where he finished as the school’s all-time leading scorer and ranked among program leaders in rebounds, blocked shots, and field goal percentage. Kriebel helped lead Lock Haven to multiple NCAA playoff appearances and later competed professionally in the United States and Europe, where he was drafted by the Grand Rapids Hoops of the CBA and invited to the Philadelphia 76ers free agent camp and veterans camp.

Following his playing career, Kriebel retired after a long career with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. He currently resides in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Elizabeth (Powell)

Dietrich,

Class of 1997

Dietrich was a dominant swimmer during her high school career, winning multiple district titles and helping lead Whitehall to District 11 championships. She earned Female Athlete of the Year honors and received a swimming scholarship to Kutztown University. She also competed in softball and cross country.

At Kutztown, Dietrich earned MVP and Academic All-American honors, qualified for conference championships all four years, and competed in NCAA Division II championships.

Dietrich has since built a distinguished career in health care and education and currently serves as a Clinical Nurse Educator. She resides in Lancaster County with her family and remains active in youth athletics leadership.

1976 Zephyrs

Football Team

The 1976 Zephyrs football team remains one of the most dominant teams in school history, completing an undefeated season and capturing the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference (EPC) championship.

Led by first-year head coach Joe Gerencser, the Zephyrs defied expectations, finishing 10–0 in EPC play despite returning only five starters. Known as the “Zephyr Machine,” the team

overwhelmed opponents with a powerful running game and a disciplined, hard-hitting defense, outrushing conference foes 2,266–429.

The season was highlighted by a 13–7 victory over Phillipsburg to clinch the EPC title, along with wins over long-standing rivals including Parkland, Dieruff, Liberty, Northampton, and Emmaus. Strong leadership from players such as Bob Cole, Paul Ziegenfuss, Jerry Sukanick, Dave Kratzer, and Ernie Ruch fueled the team’s success.

With crowds nearing 10,000 fans, the 1976 Zephyrs united the community and set a standard of excellence that still defines Whitehall football today.