Netters return three state qualifiers
Head coach Kory Unruh will have a perfect split of six varsity players and six junior varsity players as he starts the 2003 season of boys' tennis.
Twelve guys have gone out for this year's team — that's three more than last year, Unruh said.
Four seniors are playing this year: returning players Brandon Ratzlaff, Caleb Dirks, and Tyler Weinbrenner, and newcomer Florin Nae.
Ratzlaff, Dirks, and Weinbrenner all qualified for last year's state tournament, Unruh said. They were also last season's letter-winners.
Weinbrenner and Ratzlaff will most likely take the top two singles spots, but the coach doesn't know yet who will be No. 1 singles and who will be No. 2.
He does know that things will be a little more tricky when it comes to doubles. That's because two of last year's graduates, Adam Driggers and Jordan Woelk, consistently played doubles.
"We've got some shoes to fill," Unruh said.
In addition to the team's four seniors, the rest of the squad is fairly young, with three sophomores and four freshmen. Just one junior is on the team.
The team's goals are similar to past ones: win regionals and send as many qualifiers as possible to state.
Hillsboro begins play tonight against Conway Springs in an away matchup. They'll be minus Weinbrenner, who's out of action after having his tonsils removed.
