With his team this winter, Whitehall head wrestling coach Tim Cunningham has been working hard to stress a team concept rather than highlight individual accomplishments.

So far, the approach has worked.

Heading into this week, the Zephyrs had a perfect 8-0 record in dual matches, and they were coming off an impressive showing at the Gauntlet Duals at Blue Mountain High School. At those duals, the Zephyrs posted commanding wins over Pleasant Valley, Tri-Valley, Southern Lehigh, Blue Mountain, and Allen.

Earlier, the Zephyrs knocked off Pleasant Valley, Catasauqua and Allen.

Cunningham has watched a quick maturation process for his rising team.

“We are steadily improving,” he said. “Some of our young guys have stepped up to fill in some varsity spots. Guys have understood that it is about effort and attitude and the desire to get better every day.

“We are working on the mindset of not being afraid to lose. We just want to wrestle hard, score points, and do the best they can.”

The Zephyrs have had a solid lineup with an experienced and developing squad.

Seniors Seth Pascoe (145-152 pounds) and Damond Pascoe (127-133) both had 8-0 slates. Sophomore Wilmont Kai had a 7-1 record at 107 and Trokon Kai was 7-1 at 139.

Sophomore James Hopkins had an unblemished record (8-0) at 189-215 and junior Nolan Schmeckenberger was 7-0 at 133. Freshman Rocco DeLucia was 7-1 at 121.

Wilmont Kai was fourth at districts and fifth at regionals last season.

Along with his veteran core, Cunningham has been impressed with his underclassmen and doesn’t have many trepidations.

“We are waiting to see with the next guy standing attitude of who wants to go out and perform and earn a spot,” noted Cunningham. “There are several guys that should be getting some opportunities over the next couple of weeks, and see how they perform.

“At this time, we preach it is team and try not to individualize.”

The Zephyrs faced a stern test with Nazareth Wednesday, and they then will enter the Bethlehem Holiday Wrestling Classic Dec. 28-29.

Yet, Cunningham and his grapplers won’t back down from his stance.

“We want to score points and have fun,” stressed Cunningham. “We want to be relaxed out there wrestling.”