Whitehall’s girls’ wrestling team recently ended their first year on the mats, while Whitehall’s boys’ team will be headed to the individual district championships at Liberty High School this weekend.

The Zephyrs’ girls’ unit made some initial impacts, and head coach Bill Leibensperg was pleased with their inaugural efforts at districts.

The furthest advanced wrestlers were senior Jaslin Felix (136) and junior Alemayehu Fikirselam (148), both made it to the fourth round of consolations, and sophomore Ava Peluszak (118) made it to the third round of consolations.

“I think they wrestled well,” said Leibensperg. “The inexperienced girls fought hard. Jaslin Felix, one of the experienced girls, made it to the second day, and Alemayehu Fikirselam, a newcomer, made it too.”

Leibensperg also cited three junior high girls who placed at the district junior high tournament.

Vivian DeLucia finished first, Madissyn Bordner placed second, and Lorena Coraccari was fourth.

Leibensperg is anxious for the next step in the program.

“Overall, the girls worked very hard, and they progressed,” added Leibensperg. “The future I believe is very positive.”

While the girls’ program puts its first season behind them, the boys’ program is looking to make an impact.

Senior Willmont Kai is a defending district and state champion.

The tentative remaining Zephyrs’ lineup will feature freshman Semaj Weatherspoon (10-5) at 107; freshman Dionte Wheeler (17-7) at 114; senior Kade Pascoe (25-8) at 121; junior Adam Gasteratos (19-11) at 127; Kai (32-1) at 133; junior Omar Omar (10-12) at 139; senior Tyrell Hoff (17-1) at 145; freshman Mason Hopkins (24-11) at 152; junior Layony Sanchez (19-6) at 160; senior James Hopkins (28-7) at 172; freshman Aiden Hannis (14-10) at 189; junior Caiden Robinson (0-6) at 215; and sophomore Yousef Khalfaoui (9-16) at 285.

Cunningham understands the difficulties and challenges of the upcoming tournament, but he has an optimistic outlook for his squad.

“District 11 Class AAA is as tough as it gets, and that’s exactly why I’m so proud of this group,” beamed Cunningham. “They’ve put in the time, trusted the process, and prepared as well as they possibly could.

“We’re excited to see how it all plays out, but regardless of outcomes, they showed up every single day ready to work, improve, and push themselves. That commitment, daily growth, and effort is what true success is all about.”