Three silver medals at last year’s state competition have left the Stone High tennis team confident it can improve this season.
Coach Freddie Wegner’s players are looking to prove that a rural program can stand with the teams which enjoy better facilities and traditionally dominate at the state level.
They’ll do that by fighting their way through what Wegner called, “The hardest non-district matches I’ve ever scheduled.”
The season opened last Friday and the Tomcats proved they were up to the task, beating Hancock County in straight sets to take a 7-0 victory.
Matt Cannaday won the boys’ singles match 6-0, 6-0.
Wegner is expecting big things from Cannaday.
“Even though he may struggle along as the season wears on, he’s got a real strong serve and he’s dedicated to improving,” he said.
Christa Owen also took a 6-0, 6-0 in the girls’ singles match.
Owen won the silver medal at last season’s state championships, losing to phenomenon Courtney Collins.
Just a freshman, Owen has plenty of tennis ahead of her.
At boys’ doubles No. 1, Travis Burdick and Nick Georgian earned a 6-0, 6-1 victory.
“Travis came up from JV and has worked tremendously hard this year,” Wegner said.
Tyler Wabel and Josh Johnson won the No. 2 doubles match 6-0, 6-0.
“Tyler is a feisty player who loves to go to the net,” Wegner said of the senior. “He’s got a big serve as well.”
Hannah Wegner and Tori Rose took a 6-1, 6-2 victory at girls’ No. 1 doubles.
The coach said Hannah Wegner, his daughter, would be just a few strokes behind Owen while Rose had a hard, flat serve.
“They move real well together on the court,” he said of the pair.
Leana Free and Lexi Johnson managed a 6-4, 6-2 win at girls’ No. 2 doubles.
“Those two have worked very hard, but lack experience,” Wegner said. “That will come in time, though.”
At mixed doubles, Jacob Mitchell and April Kennedy won 6-1, 6-3.
They’ll do well playing at that spot,” Wegner said.
Notice has been served; Stone High is serious about tennis and others in the state may want to take note.
