Whitehall’s cross country team competed in a scrimmage against Freedom and Southern Lehigh last Thursday at Freedom where senior Devon Roberts placed sixth in the girls’ race and sophomore Sean Connelly placed 15th in the boys’ race.

The second annual scrimmage was an opportunity for the Zephyrs to get a taste of competition before the regular season meets begin on Sept. 10.

“I’m glad [Coach Bob Thear] had this because we have 20 freshman boys this year, so we have a big team,” said Whitehall coach Mike Lelko. “It’s the biggest team we’ve ever had. We have 56 kids right now. A lot of them have never raced at this level, so in that regard, it’s good that they get their feet wet.”

Roberts ran a time of 22:13 for her first time out on the course competitively this season.

“Today wasn’t my best time but it was better than when I ran here last year, so that means I’m on track,” Roberts said. “Last season I was super duper close to making it to states, so that’s my main goal this year, and I think I can do it.”

Roberts was grateful for the scrimmage on Thursday.

“It really does help to see where you’re at and see where you’re placing. I always try to run with the top Freedom girl (Lauren Charboneau) because she’s super fast, or at least keep her within my distance, because then I know I’m running a good race,” said Roberts.

Charboneau came in first for the girls in 20:48.

In the boys’ race, Southern Lehigh won the first five places, followed by three runners from Freedom.

Connelly’s teammate Jakob Schlosser placed right behind Connelly in 16th place, and Vince Eggleston was 19th.

“I felt pretty OK today. I feel like I could’ve run harder maybe, but it’s kind of hot,” said Connelly, whose time was 21:15. “I’m looking forward to seeing everybody perform better, and seeing kids who aren’t doing as well get better. I think that’s kind of cool to watch.”

Coach Lelko told his team just as much.

“Everyone, just get better,” Lelko said. “I told everyone, it’s time to get better from now until when we get to the last meet. Hershey would be a great goal.”

The Zephyrs will compete at the Centaur Invitational on Sept. 7 at DeSales University.