With a core back, Whitehall head track coach Nicole Richards is confident her team can continue to reach another level.

Last season, the boys’ team went 4-3, and the girls’ squad was 3-4 in meets.

“As always the Zephyrs will be gritty, looking to pick up second and third places to keep them in the meets,” said Richards, who began his fourth season leading the program. “These kids are no strangers to hard work and digging in. We have faced a few challenges in the preseason, but this group of kids are resilient and are always up for a challenge.”

Richards will look to Edriene Lee, a returning state qualifier in the 100, along with Justin Hussett, Nolan Hudak, Larken Good, Llyneida Otanez, Marli Jacobus to anchor the squad.

In addition, Richards is looking to newcomers Jeffrey Etea, Iskander Blanco, Alex Cardona to be steady contributors.

In a recent meet against Northampton, Lee topped the field in the 100 in a time of 12.23. Otanez was a double winner in 100 hurdles (17.14) and 300 hurdles (49.94), and Maya Williams was a double winner in the high jump (4-11) and triple jump (31-7). Laney Headman won the shot (30-2).

On the boys’ side, Kihan Reston won the 800 (2:24.90), Habib Leyes took the 3,200 (11.41), and Beaton Smith was a double-winner in the 110 hurdles (16.74) and in the high jump (5-7). Alinur Najim was atop the field in the triple jump (37-2).

In the field, Parker Zigenfuss won the discus (102-2) and javelin (121-4), and Tyler Tehonica took the shot (40-7).

Richards likes her team’s determination and grit, and she believes they will make a difference.

“We are building our distance squad, and plan to use our most reliable and athletic kids to round out some gaps and fill in holes as needed to make us as competitive as possible,” stressed Richards. “As always, don’t count the Zephs out, they like being the underdog and will never go down without a fight.”