Welcome to the inaugural edition of Zephyr Zips!

This will be a periodic column about Whitehall athletics from the past, present and the future involving athletes, coaches, and games. I will also reminisce about a former Zephyr standout or a team.

Let’s make this an interactive column, and let me know about a possible topic as well and your opinions. (A Wawa hoagie and/or soft pretzel would always be appreciated.)

Not Just Another Jones: About a week ago, Whitehall head boys’ basketball coach Jeff Jones officially began his 20th season at the helm of the Zephyrs’ program when his team began play in the Lehigh Valley High School Summer Basketball League. He lost four starters from last year’s 13-14 team that advanced to the state playoffs, and Jones faces a likely rebuilding year.

But, somehow, he will get it done. He’ll probably have his team back again and chipping away and chipping away in the East Penn Conference (EPC).

No matter what the situation, Jones has his teams knocking at the door in the ultracompetitive EPC as well as the equally challenging District 11 Class 6A bracket.

He has methodically and quietly pieced together winning teams for the majority of his years with the Zephyr’s program. They have a blue-collar, work ethic approach that is based in defense.

Jones has followed in the tradition of the Zephyrs’ systematic offensive of his legendary predecessors Dick Tracy and Jerry Radocha. In fact, both had a hand in bringing Jones to Whitehall from his Northern Lehigh roots, where he was a standout player and later their head coach.

He values longterm relationships and loyalty, as longtime assistant Corey Frantz played for Jones as a freshman at Northern Lehigh.

Unlike his predecessors, Jones hasn’t won a district championship, Whitehall last won consecutive titles in 2004 and 05 under Radocha, and Tract took eight titles in the ‘80s and won 11 overall.

Yet, Jones is a winner. He just isn’t easily recognized, and that is probably fine with him with his basic low-key style.

When the subject of long-standing, Lehigh Valley coaches is broached, Jones isn’t usually the first person mentioned.

Still, he should be. Jones is still getting it done with an old-school approach. A few years ago, he dismissed a player who broke a team rule at the start of the postseason in which the Zephyrs had a good chance at a long run. Most coaches would have looked the other way.

It’s easy to see how his players respect him, and how they will run through the proverbial brick wall for him. You can find plenty of ex-players who will verify that.

A few seasons back, Jones said he didn’t have plans to step aside anytime soon. He probably hasn’t changed his mind.

Instead, Jones will go about his business this summer, and will conduct workouts in the fall. He’ll piece together a lineup and watch it jell again like it has for him for many seasons.

Reach out to him for a comment or a reflection on his team, and Jones is usually watching game tape. However, he always has taken the time to honestly evaluate his players while noting how they are old-school students of hustle and determination.

It will be another season of Jones gaining respect for his program and steadily building his legacy as one of the Zephyrs’ all-time coaching greats.

Hitting the Long Ball: Over the last three seasons, Whitehall’s baseball team under Eric Schmitt has produced an overall 46-24 record and a district championship. After a few years of struggling, the Zephyrs’ program under Schmitt has risen to the elite of the EPC and District 11.

The Zephyrs’ will lose EPC MVP pitcher Jake Lloyd and leading hitter Seth Hoderewski and eight other seniors, but Schmitt will likely find a way to get his team back in the hunt next season.

Are You Ready for Some Football?: It won’t be long until football passing scrimmages will be underway. Some teams have already begun unofficial workouts.

Whitehall, which won the District 11 Class 5A title last season, will open the season again against Wilkes-Barre Area on the road Aug. 28 after a scrimmage against perennial District 1 power Central Bucks West Aug. 22

The Zephyrs will then have four-straight home games with Nazareth, Northampton, Pleasant Valley and Liberty, which should dictate the direction of their season.

Over their final five games, Whitehall will face Dieruff, Emmaus, Allen, Parkland, and Allentown Central Catholic.

Like Jones, head coach Andy Marino will need to shuffle the deck to keep the Zephyrs in the district hunt.

Scrapbook: In each column, I will look back at a former Zephyr standout.

Do you remember outfielder Dave Schneck? He helped lead Whitehall to a district title in 1966 and three consecutive Lehigh Valley League crowns. He was drafted by the Mets in 1967, but he broke his collarbone in the spring of 1968. Schneck, who broke in as a pitcher, was moved to center field.

Schneck advanced to the Mets’ Double-A team, but was drafted and was in combat in Vietnam for 19 months.

He did return to the Mets in 1971 and was a July call-up the following season. Schneck spent three seasons with the Mets from 1972-74 and appeared in 143 games, hitting .199 with eight homers and 35 RBIs. He was traded to the Phillies along with Tug McGraw in a six -player deal in August of ‘74.

Schneck appeared for the Phillies’ Triple-A Toledo club in ‘75, hitting .217 with nine homers and 25 RBIs in 93 games.

A year later, the Phillies traded Schneck to the Reds for John Vukovich, and Schneck was traded to the Cubs for Champ Summers in ‘77. Schneck ended his career in the Cubs’ AA Wichita team the same year.

Non-Sports Question of the Week: What place serves the best pizza in Whitehall? Let me know. As you can see, there is a sports-food theme here.

Philly Front: We’ll see if the Phillies are for real if they can get the best of the Padres and Dodgers and then come home against the Padres for another series. They also will have the White Sox at home before they will be tested again with a road trip to Toronto and Milwaukee.

Do you think Trea Turner should be moved out of the leadoff spot?

Wait and see what happens to the Eagles’ A.J. Brown June 1.

Your thoughts are always welcomed and will be published; email them to spagel@tnonline.com.