Whitehall head wrestling coach Tim Cunningham understood that his team took major steps last year, and the trend should continue.

The Zephyrs finished with an overall 10-5 dual meet record, and they only lost two seniors from last year’s roster. Gone are Melquan Warren, who finished 32-7 and was a state qualifier, and Hudson Saylor, who was 24-12 last season.

Warren had 81 career victories, and Saylor has 54.

“We’re looking forward to another competitive season in the EPC (East Penn Conference) and in District 11,” said Cunningham. “Our wrestlers have put the work in this offseason, and they are looking to build off last year.”

Cunningham will look to sophomore Wilmont Kai to help anchor the lower weights. As a freshman, Kai, who will buoy between 101-114, was 32-11 last season.

Fellow sophomores Kade Pascoe (121-127, 17-12 last season), and senior Damon Pascoe (12-133, 17-14), and junior Nolan Schmeckenbecher (133-139, 14-15) should both be major contributors in the top half.

Junior Trokon Kai (133-145, 13-12), and seniors Seth Pascoe (145-152, 21-11), Ruth Rivers (139-145) and Romello Leibensperger (145-152, 1-3) will help man the upper-middle. Kai was fourth at districts and fifth at regionals last season.

Junior Preston Saylor is back at the 160-172, and he was 14-17 last season. Senior Jack Kocher was 16-14 last year, and he battled at 172-189.

Sophomore James Hopkins had a breakout year (189-215), as he was 25-12. Junior Elija Brito (172-189, 0-3) also figures to be in the mix.

The Zephyrs will have some depth in the closing weights.

Seniors Dalton Wickel (189-215, 1-2), Kaden Weaver (215-heavyweight, 3-2) and Ryan Tran (215-heavyweight, 3-17), all will vie for spots.

Cunningham also has liked what he has seen from newcomers freshman Rocco Delucia, Justin Heckert, Orian Huggins, Layony Sanchez, and sophomore Tyrell Hoff.

The veteran head coach will be assisted by Doug Bonshak. Ryan Heimbach, Joe Attieh, Mike Cannon, Kris Krawchuk, Keegan Connelly, Butch Tully, Mike Graziano, Joe Russo, Josh Youwakim, Shane Schmeckenbecher, Frank Rudolph, and Luke Roth.

Cunningham plans to maintain an optimistic outlook. The Zephyrs opened the season against Pleasant Valley.

“I am hoping we keep becoming more competitive in the EPC and the postseason,” noted Cunningham. “The league and district keep getting more competitive and stronger, and we are looking forward to the challenge of getting better every day.”