Mason Hopkins figured wrestling at states in Hershey would be a tough task. But the Whitehall freshman saw it as a learning experience.

Hopkins, who finished 32-17 overall and fifth at regionals, was eliminated in the opening round of consolations, but it proved to be bigger than that.

“States was rough, but it was a good feeling and learning experience for the future,” noted the 152-pound Hopkins. “This season really helped boost my confidence and saw drastic improvements in myself.

“Over the summer, I am going to compete in freestyle and greco and get better to make a bigger difference next season.”

Defending state champion Willmont Kai dropped a 1-0 decision to Bethlehem Catholic’s Keanu Dilard in the 133-pound championship. It was third-straight loss to Dilard, who previously beat Kai (42-4, 148-25 overall) in the district and regional rounds. Kai will continue his career at the University of Nebraska next season.

Overall, the Zephyrs finished 29th as a team.

Head coach Tim Cunningham acknowledged Kai’s contributions over the years, and he also saw a bright future for Hopkins.

“Willmont wrestled a great tournament and left everything out on the mat in the finals,” beamed Cunningham. “He gave his heart out there and did everything he could to win that match, but came up a little short in the end. He has an unbelievable upside in the sport of wrestling and has done everything he could for Whitehall wrestling and his legacy will last forever for Whitehall wrestling.

“Mason qualifying for states as a freshman at weight dominated with upper class men was a major accomplishment and his future is bright in the sport. He obviously ran into two tough kids out at states and will learn and benefit from the experience.”

Departing seniors 172 -pounder James Hopkins (31-11, 116-42 overall) and 121-pounder Kade Pascoe (30-12, 107-57) have been cornerstones for the past three years.

Cunningham will return a young and maturing club next season, but he is confident that they can take the next step.

“This group of seniors has built the culture of the program and the younger wrestlers learned what it takes to be successful through this group of seniors,” boasted Cunningham. “The state of the program is good with a good crew of returning varsity wrestlers and some JV wrestlers ready to take the next step to varsity.”