Whitehall head wrestling coach Tim Cunningham has watched his wrestlers experience their share of peaks and valleys, but he is confident his grapplers can respond in the upcoming District 11 Championships this weekend.

They begin their quest Friday night at Liberty High School in the District 11 Class AAA tournament. It will continue and conclude Saturday.

The Zephyrs will begin the tournament on a high note, as they captured the Falcon Invitational Feb. 4 at Cedar Crest High School, and also won their last two dual meets against Pocono Mountain East (55-15), and Stroudsburg (35-24). Senior Melquan Warren won the 189-pound title in the Cedar Crest tournament.

“Guys that are mentally strong and focused during the tournament are the guys with the best chance to place,” said Cunningham. “The season had ups and downs, but it’s important that each wrestler learn the importance of hard work, and holding themselves accountable and learning from their losses.”

Cunningham stated the Zephyrs lineup for districts will be freshman Wilmont Kai, 26-7 at 106 pounds; freshman Kade Pascoe, 15-10 at 114; junior Damon Pascoe, 14-11 at 121; either sophomore Nolan Schmeckenbecher 13-13, or sophomore Dayvion Marshamon, 12-9 at 126; sophomore Trokon Kai, 12-10 at 133; junior Seth Pascoe, 19-9 at 139; senior Hudson Saylor, 22-10 at 152; sophomore Preston Saylor, 12-15 at 160; junior Jack Kocher, 15-12 at 172; either Warren, 25-3, or freshman James Hopkins at 189; Warren or Hopkins at 215.

Warren finished fourth at districts, third at regionals and did not place at states last year.

Whatever the outcome of the weekend, Cunningham likes to look at the big picture.

“I strongly believe our wrestlers learned a lot of valuable life lessons throughout the season,” he stressed. “They are better individuals because of these lessons.”