Whitehall head wrestling coach Tim Cunningham cherished the moment.

Cunningham was pleased with the performances of seniors Tyler Cunningham, and Melquan Warren along with junior Johnny Colon, all of whom were able to advance from districts to regionals this weekend. Like any coach, though, he had hope for more.

“It was an exciting weekend of wrestling,” he said. “I’m always looking for a few more guys to get through and make it to the next weekend.

“I am proud of the guys that wrestled this weekend. They all wrestled hard and performed to the best of their abilities and showed sportsmanship at all times.”

Tyler Cunningham, the coach’s son, was the victim of the fall to Bethlehem Catholic’s Kollin Rath in the 132-final. He has an overall record of 28-9 with 15 falls.

Cunningham didn’t have an easy ride to get there. He finished fourth in districts last year.

“It’s been hard battling through injuries right before district because that’s the biggest part of the year,” he said. “But it is just something that I had to work through. It still felt pretty good because I knew I belonged in the finals this year, and it was great to have my coaches with me.

“Wrestling for my dad has been nothing but a joy. Spending the last four years with him has been one of the best experiences I ever could have asked for.”

Colon was fifth overall, as he pinned Pottsville’s Dalton Monger to gain the spot in the 126-pound bracket. With the victory, Colon raised his overall mark to 24-6.

Warren notched a fourth-place finish at 189, as he was pinned by James Syracuse of Pleasant Valley. He didn’t place at districts last year. This year, Warren has a 26-8 record.

Overall, the Zephyrs finished 10th as a team in the Class 3A bracket. Freshman Dayvion Marshmon (106), sophomores Damon Pascoe (113) and Seth Pascoe (145), and junior Hudson Saylor (138) all advanced to the third round of consolations.

The elder Cunningham knows his grapplers advancing can face a tough slate.

“The guys have things to work on to get ready for regionals,” added Cunningham. “It should be another exciting weekend.”