Scouting the Fox Valley area's boys tennis teams
Bartlett
Coach: Brian Page (1st season)
Last season's record: N/A
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Yosh Patel (singles), Kevin Veatch (singles), Josh Eggerbrecht (doubles), Andrew McKinley (doubles); Juniors: Brian Howes (doubles), Kyle Infante (doubles)
Key newcomers: N/A
Outlook: While first-year coach Brian Page is new to the Bartlett boys tennis program, he is no stranger to the sport. A 17-year coach, Page brings with him a remarkable resume, a bevy of experience and the desire to help the Bartlett program along in the years to come. Taking the court with all returning players, expectations are high for the Hawks. "I have been coaching champions for a very long time, and the group we have here is excellent," said Page. "Each of these guys can take us through sectionals to state." Page feels that this could be a Cinderella roster and a Cinderella season. "This team is very hungry," he said. "We are extremely well balanced and very deep with excellent skills across the board. We are strong at every position." While Page hasn't seen the usual suspects in the Upstate Eight that are always difficult to beat, he has no doubt that this team will hold its own against anybody. "No question that we can compete with anybody in the Upstate Eight and in the state for that matter," Page said. "This will be a very exciting year for these guys."
Cary-Grove
Coach: Bud Lachel (39th season)
Last season's record: Third in Fox Valley Conference
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Jake Szybowicz (doubles/singles), John McLaughlin (singles), Andy Lane (singles/doubles), Brian Colbert (doubles)
Key newcomers: Juniors: Dan Eggensammer (doubles), Kevin Koenig (doubles), Eric Schimmel (singles/doubles), Rory Saylor (doubles), Trevor Barrett (doubles); Freshman: Chris Federighi (doubles)
Outlook: Long-time coach Bud Lachel notes that Cary-Grove has a lot of work ahead, but he is fortunate to have a hard working group to take the 2008 journey with. John McLaughlin returns to the line-up after collecting a 23-1 overall record sharing time between No. 1 and No. 2 singles play. Lachel is also pleased with the return of Jake Szybowicz and Andy Lane. "The improvements that both Jake and Andy have shown early are amazing," said Lachel. "I am excited to see what they will bring to the team this year." With 28 out for varsity action this year, numbers are on the rise and the program continues to flourish. "We will be competitive as always," said Lachel. "As a team, I think Crystal Lake Central will be the powerhouse, and (Dundeee-Crown's Mike) Williamson is one of the best singles players I have seen," Lachel added. "If our doubles teams succeed, then we will succeed."
Crystal Lake South
Coach: Don Nead (40th season)
Last season's record: 8-7, 7-4 in Fox Valley Conference
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Zach Goschey (doubles), Jeff Lemberger (doubles); Juniors: Jared Favaro (singles), Alec Shimon (singles/doubles)
Key newcomers: Seniors: Chris Moga (doubles), Mike Brockway (doubles), Geoff Balasi (doubles), Jake Joslin (doubles); Freshman: Cam Laktash (singles/doubles)
Outlook: Finishing fourth overall in the Fox Valley Conference last year, Crystal Lake South welcomes back four returning athletes in seniors Zach Goschey and Jeff Lemberger and juniors Jared Favaro and Alex Shimon. Favaro is the lone return penciled in for singles play. While Alex Solome filled the No. 1 slot last season, he will take the year off to work. "It's going to be a challenging year, but I am very encouraged with what I see," said coach Don Nead. "We are a balanced squad all the way through. We have pretty nice depth, and our doubles team's should be very strong top to bottom." According to Nead, the Gators will have their work cut out for them facing an array of tough competition in the Fox Valley. "Mike Williamson is an incredible player for Dundee-Crown," said Nead. There are a lot of strong individuals throughout the conference, and as for team play, Crystal Lake Central will be loaded. If our guys continue to improve, which I think they will, we will be very competitive," Nead added.
Dundee-Crown
Coach: Harlan Miller (16th season)
Last season's record: 9-6, 6-5
Top returning athletes: Senior: Mike Williamson (singles), Chayenne Martinez (doubles), Kyle Weelma (singles); Juniors: Andy Schuessler (singles), Colin McCarthy (doubles), Steve Cathony (doubles), Evan Spangenberg (doubles)
Key newcomers: Senior: Tony Dorado (doubles); Juniors: Randy Malatia (doubles), Tony Loch (doubles)
Outlook: Dundee-Crown hits the courts with one of the top singles players in the area in Mike Williamson. A 3-time state qualifier, Williamson found himself in the consolation bracket of state action last year and will return to head the Charger attack. Williamson entered last year's state meet with a flawless 33-0 record closing the season 36-2 going 5-2 at state. The return of Andy Schuessler, another state singles qualifier from last year, will make the Chargers dangerous in singles play. With championship titles in both the Saxon Invitational and the Hoffman Estates Invitational, D-C expects to be strong in both dual meets and tournaments this year. The Chargers did suffer some big losses in doubles action graduating seven players leaving the doubles slate wide open this year. "We have two large, enthusiastic teams this year," said coach Harlan Miller. "Having graduated eight, we are young and will be rebuilding, but we will be competitive." Miller expects excellent competition from Crystal Lake Central in the Fox Valley.
Elgin
Coach: Larry DeHaan (21st season)
Last season's record: 9-7
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Erik Meuangkhot (singles), Matty Vongphakdy (singles); Junior: Nick Montgomery (doubles); Sophomores: Danny Keonavongsa (singles), Kevin Baccam (doubles), Tyler Altieri (doubles)
Key newcomer: Senior: John Kapa (doubles)
Outlook: Despite a young roster, Elgin coach Larry DeHaan has high expectations for the weeks ahead. With more depth than last year's roster, the Maroons are looking to improve on 2007's 9-7 finish. "No matter who we play, we're going to give them a tough time," said DeHaan. "We have a number of kids who can play solid tennis, we're well balanced and we're looking to have an excellent season." Returns are looking stronger than ever having worked hard in the off-season, and Elgin hosts a number of newcomers who could make a quick impact at any time in the season. As in year's past, DeHaan expects Neuqua Valley, Waubonsie Valley and the St. Charles schools will be the teams to watch for. Still, the Maroons aren't intimdated. "We hope to put a dent in those top teams," he said. "We're very optimistic, cautiously optimistic."
Elgin Academy
Coach: Lyle Roebuck (2nd season)
Last season's record: 6-28, 5-10
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Logan Hollensteiner (singles), Matt Fetter (doubles); Sophomore: David Kaufman (singles)
Key newcomer: Christian Lynn
Outlook: With a 1-16 conclusion in 2006, the Hilltoppers had nowhere to go but up last season, which they did. Finishing the 2007 campaign 6-28, second-year coach Lyle Roebuck expects more progress in the upcoming months. That being said, Elgin Academy is setting goals early and working hard to achieve them right out of the gates. "We would like to win the Elgin Invitational," said Roebuck. "In the bigger picture, I would like to qualify one or more players for state this year too." Lake Forest and Latin School will both be obstacles in Independent School League action, but Roebuck expects to give everybody a run. "We are looking to go .500 both overall and in Independent School League play," Roebuck said. Welcoming back talent and experience in last year's No. 1 singles player David Kaufman as well as strong athlete Logan Hollensteiner, Elgin Academy is confident in the team's overall abilities. Senior Matt Fetter is another key element from last year's complete program upgrade.
Huntley
Coach: Barry Wells (3rd season)
Last season's record: 7-9
Top returning athletes: Senior: Kiel Golike (singles); Junior: Jose Montenegro (doubles); Sophomore: Cameron Marzejon (doubles)
Key newcomer: Junior: Art Artonas (doubles)
Outlook: With program numbers on the rise, the future of the Huntley tennis program is looking up. This season, the Red Raiders will focus on building toward that future. "We lost four or five great players to graduation from one of the best year's we've had," said coach Barry Wells of last year's season. "Our returning players are better athletes this year, and I would like to see them compete in every meet. We still have work to do." Somewhat of a newcomer, Art Artonas returns to the line-up in 2008. Artonas competed at the varsity level as a freshman sitting last year out with a broken wrist. With 31 freshmen and sophomores amid the program, Wells hopes to see veteran leadership. "We're a harder working team this year," he said. "These guys want to work hard, improve and see that work pay off." In what Wells describes as a top-heavy conference, the Fox Valley is host to a bevy of talented individuals. "The top players in this conference can compete with anybody at state," said Wells. "In the past, Prairie Ridge has dominated at every level, and Crystal Lake Central's top three players compete at a very high level."
Jacobs
Coach: Barry Hanrahan (3rd season)
Last season's record: Fifth in Fox Valley Conference
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Jack Mertes (singles), Ryan Dillon (doubles); Juniors: Andy Ademe (doubles), Greg Roeckner (doubles)
Key newcomers: Sophomores: Mike Romor (doubles), Brandon Buettner (doubles), Tom Schreiner (singles)
Outlook: Not only does Jacobs welcome back a core group from last year's roster, which earned a fifth place tie in the Fox Valley Conference, but they return stronger. "I am seeing stronger serves, more consistency and a more stable work ethic," said third-year coach Barry Hanrahan. Different from years past, Hanrahan intends to shake things up a bit throughout the year. "Our lineup will be pretty fluid," Hanrahan said. "I've been burned before with a set lineup so this season we're going to move some guys around." Finishing fifth overall at No. 1 singles in 2007, Jack Mertes returns to the slot hoping to move up. Don't be surprised to see newcomers quickly influence the outcome of the Golden Eagles 2008 campaign. "These young kids are the heart of our team," said Hanrahan. "Our new impact players are ready despite lacking experience." Pushing a team effort, everybody will work together to make one another successful. "It's about having the entire team be successful," said Hanrahan. "That is how we intend to get better."
Larkin
Coach: Bob Young (5th season)
Last season's record: Finished in middle of the Upstate Eight Conference
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Tyler Compere (doubles), Scott Shriver (doubles), Matt Quang (singles), Tyler York (doubles); Junior: Selwyn Hansana (doubles)
Key newcomers: Juniors: Jessie Perez (doubles), C. Siripanya (doubles); Sophomore: Nick Schlegel (singles)
Outlook: While this year's roster for Larkin is a bit younger than fifth-year coach Bob Young would like to be, their work ethic more than makes up for what they lack in experience. Already showing growth and improvements in the early stages, Larkin might just surprise some teams in the 2008 campaign. "This group is very hard working, extremely coachable, and they have met the challenges of the weather," said Young. "That being said, I think we will be really competitive with everybody." At No. 1 doubles, Tyler Compere and Scott Shriver combined to create one of the best doubles teams that Young has seen. At No. 1 singles, Nick Schlegel will represent the Royals having competed at No. 1 with the JV team last year. "It is a big jump for Nick but he is extremely hard working and very competitive," said Young. "He is an all-effort player, and he will make opponents beat him. He will not beat himself. With Nick, the dedication is there and we are excited to see what he can do." Larkin is a deeper team than it's been in years past, and team chemistry will be another strength. "As a group, these guys are tight-knit," said Young. "They truly are a team, and they want what is best for one another."
Prairie Ridge
Coach: Jessica Fetzner (9th season)
Last season's record: Fox Valley Conference champions
Top returning athletes: Seniors: Robbie Curtis, Dan Sweeney; Juniors: Craig Greenwald (singles), Matt Miller; Sophomore: Quinn Revak
Key newcomers: Juniors: Mitch MacArthur, Seth Corsch; Sophomore: Brandon Curtis
Outlook: Having graduated almost all of last year's doubles talent, Prairie Ridge will be a much different looking team this season. The only certainty early on will be 2-time state qualifier Craig Greenwald ,who will remain at No. 1 singles for the Wolves. Despite the losses, 9-year coach Jessica Fetzner remains pleased with what the team does bring to the court. "Our returnees are playing well," Fetzner said. "Our new guys are very competitive. They like to mix it up with our veterans, and they do have experience having played at the lower levels of the program last season." With drastic changes ahead due to a shaken up roster, Fetzner will keep expectations high for the always dominant PR program. "I want these guys to work as hard as possible and play the best that they can," she said. If the Wolves are to be replaced on the championship podium, Fetzner says that Crystal Lake Central has a solid shot. "Crystal Lake Central is among the best in the Fox Valley by far," Fetzner said. "They return their top three players who are all seniors."
South Elgin
Coach: Jennifer Schaughnessy (1st season)
Top returning athletes: Senior: Steve Battaglia
Key newcomer: Freshman: Colin Ferry
Outlook: Despite being the youngest program in the area, the South Elgin boys tennis program enters this season ahead of the game. "My first goal has been met," said first-year coach Jennifer Schaughnessy. "I wanted to have two complete teams this year because last year we didn't have enough. This year, we had a great turnout with 28 guys on the team." The Storm welcome back senior Steve Battaglia who will not only bring talent and skill to the court, but also leadership. "We want to fine tune skills here and win," said Schaughnessy. "Extremely structured practices will hopefully get us there." Competing in the Upstate Eight Conference, Schaughnessy anticipates top competition from Neuqua Valley, Waubonsie Valley and Lake Park.
Streamwood
Coach: Miriam Abe (4th season)
Last season's record: N/A
Top returning athletes: Senior: Frank Phetmeuangmay (doubles), Rafal Cwiok (doubles); Juniors: Yuto Tsikida (singles), Raymond Lee (doubles), Nick Mosher (singles)
Key newcomers: Sophomores: Hideki Soejima (singles), Brian Phetmeuangmay (doubles); Freshmen: Ryu Amafuji (doubles), James Palermo (doubles)
Outlook: Fourth-year coach Miriam Abe is looking forward to seeing what Streamwood brings to the court this season. A fairly even blend of old and new will represent the Sabres in the upcoming weeks. "We have work to do, but there is an excellent vibe amongst this group of guys," said Abe. "We will be better than last year." According to Abe, the Sabres will be particularly strong in singles action. Yuto Tsikida returns to the lineup to play at No. 1 singles, and returnee Nick Mosher will play No. 3 singles. New to the program is No. 2 singles player, Hideki Soejima. A sophomore, Soejima would have a year behind him making the varsity roster as a freshman, but a broken ankle to him out of last year's campaign entirely. "Everybody has shown vast improvements already," said Abe. "With such a nice mix of new and old players, I'm hoping that this year will provide an excellent base for years to come."
St. Edward
Coach: Megan O'Brien (1st season)
Last season's record: N/A
Top returning athletes: St. Edward returns nobody
Key newcomers: Juniors: Christian Beyot (singles), John Huey (doubles), Andrew Richmond (doubles); Sophomores: Luis Sandoval (singles), Miska Sidlin (singles), Jim Cholewa (singles/doubles); Freshman: Anthony Abbate (singles)
Outlook: Coming into 2008 with a new coach and a completely refurbished roster, St. Edward will do its best to be competitive in the weeks ahead. Fortunately for the Green Wave, coach Megan O'Brien comes in familiar with the area and with the sport. A tennis phenom herself, O'Brien played 4 years at Marengo High School and went on to play 2 years of tennis for McHenry County College. "It will be an interesting year for this group," O'Brien said. "We are young, but these guys have a lot of the fundamentals down. There is also a lot of athletic abilities here." One thing O'Brien will look for during this rebuilding year is for confidence levels to advance. "Everybody is excited to get started," she said. "They are setting individual goals that they would like to accomplish, but these guys need some confidence," she said. "There is a lot of potential here." O'Brien hopes to bring more structure to the Green Wave program, and an early goal for the team will be to finish first or second at the South Elgin Invitational.