In his 13 years as head coach of the Zephyrs, Whitehall’s Ron Hassler had his share of memorable teams for various reasons.

Hassler led the program to an overall 275-99 record with four East Penn Conference (EPC) titles, and five District 11 crowns. He eclipsed the mark of Dick Tracy (205-51) to become he winningest coach in Zephyrs’ history.

One of his momentous seasons was in 1989-90 when his team posted an overall 25-3 record, ending the season with a loss to Norristown in the PIAA Class 4A Eastern semifinal.

The Zephyrs lost starting forward Tony Medina in the opening game with a knee injury and he had surgery in January. Still, the Zephyrs were expected to go deep into the postseason, and they won the EPC with an unblemished 18-0 record, and they also captured a district title.

Along with Medina, the roster included Mike Buskirk, Mike Klucharich, Ron Gontkosky, Pete Wasko, Eric Schrei, Ray Schwartz, Todd Wasilewski, Mike Bowen, Mike Fetchko, John Murtaugh, Greg Molchany, and Matt Seagreaves.

Hassler admits that there were many teams that stand out through the years, but the 1989-90 team is one he would welcome another chance.

“I have been fortunate than most to have so many memorable coaching years that I’d never be able to say that one in particular would be most memorable,” recalled Hassler. “But the one that always come to mind, one I wished I could have back was this team that was robbed of reaching the potential to be state champions.”

Hassler certainly enjoyed the ride among his selfless team.

“It was a team that was fin to coach because they were competitive in everything we asked them to do at practice. They competed not only in games, but also everything we did.

“They had nicknames for each other, opponents, refs, opposing coaches, players, gyms, and fans. They loved everything about the sport and embraced any challenge. They were unselfish and all fit together like one big puzzle.”

Hassler referred to Medina as being able to see the floor like Magic Johnson and had a high basketball IQ. Having him sitting on the bench with his injury, Hassler could see Medina eventually developing as a coach.

“He could score at will inside, hit perimeter shots at the most crucial times of the game, and would physically dominate the paint no matter the size of our opponents. He feared no one, but respected them all.”

Hassler also stated the steady contributions of guards Gontkosky, Klucharich, and Buskirk, who he named “The Three Amigos” because they knew each other well, and what the other would do above anything else, they were tenaciously competitive.”

The head coach also noted the play of fourth guard Ray Schwartz, who Hassler stated could have started for any other team for his quickness and aggressiveness.

Wasko was the team’s 6-10 center, who developed into an offense force after Medina went down. Hassler cited him as “one of the most valuable role players to ever wear a Zephyr uniform and also the anchor of our defensive team into one of our defensive weapons.”

Schrei and Wasilewski were cited as unsung heroes for their intensity and relentless work ethic in and around the paint. Murtaugh, Bowen, Seagreaves, Fetchko, and Molchany didn’t see much playing time, but they proved to be invaluable in carry out the duties of a scout team in practice.

Hassler knew his club was never short on effort.

“Practices were more intense than any of our games,” he said. “I never remember coming out of the coaching office and feeling like I had to motivate them to play hard. In fact, these kids were always early to practice and would develop their own shooting games before practice.

“Before practice time was so intense that we had to begin practice early because there would be arguments and fights over their little pre-practice competitions.”

In all, it was a season that wouldn’t be forgotten for all of them.

“To watch a group of young men progress after losing their leader that had been with them since grade school, handle it, and have the success they had was especially rewarding.

“It was a special season to be proud of.”