As head coach of the Whitehall cross country team, Brandon Hampton steps into his second season with high expectations form a young squad.

The Zephyrs opened the season at the DeSales Centaur Invitational Sept. 7. Unfortunately, it was somewhat of a rainy event.

“All around times and overall efforts we much better than last year,” said Hampton. “We had a few freshmen really shine despite the race being the only one that had any rain.”

Overall, the boys’ unit was led by Habib Leydos, who ran the course in 19:54. He was followed by Aiden Borkenhagen (20:16.53) Jackson Rozycki (20:40.71), Zarius Sabater (22:05.85), Derek Jiminez, (22:35.38) Omar Oscar (22:35.53), and Sebastian Zaiter (23:15.82).

Ashley Mendoza paced the girls in 23:44. She was followed by Marli Jacobus (25:10.55), Felicity Coulthard (27:28.26), Isabelle Daigle (27:42.44), Kathy Chen (28:19.86), Janelle Kies (29:03.96), and Emma Sargent (29.18.24).

Hampton cited freshmen Deakon Smith and Max Charles on the boys’ side, and Natasha Ziegler and Holly Kotch on the girls’ side, all of whom ran well.

“Those four had some impressive times that showed they could compete for varsity spots as the season goes on,” added Hampton.

Luke Thomas and Kihan Resto led the way in the JV race.

“They ran very close to some of the times in the varsity race,” noted Hampton about his JV runners. “They have been running well.”

Overall, the varsity boys finished 17th out of the 24-team field; the varsity girls were 14th of 15 teams; the JV runners were 10th of 13 teams; and the freshmen were seventh of 10 teams.

The Zephyrs competed at a meet at Stroudsburg Tuesday before they will participate at the Penncrest Invitational Saturday.

Hampton remains optimistic his team will continue to fins their stride.

“The kids are off to a good start,” said Hampton. “We’re very excited to start the season off on the right foot.”