Last Monday was the first official day of practice for spring sports teams across Pennsylvania.
Today, boys tennis becomes the first sport to open its season.
Four area schools have boys tennis programs, and during the next several days all of them will be in action. Pleasant Valley opens its season today, Jim Thorpe plays Thursday, and Palmerton and Lehighton will swing into action next week.
Following are previews on each of the four teams:
JIM THORPE
NEW NAME, FAMILIAR NAME
… For the first time since the Jim Thorpe tennis program was established in 1994, Norb Lienhard won’t be the head coach. After nearly three decades at the helm, Lienhard recently announced his retirement. The new person in charge of the Olympian tennis program is also a familiar one as Sam Lux takes over the position.
A four-year varsity starter for Jim Thorpe a decade ago, Lux returns to the program as the new head coach.
“I’m just really excited to be able to give back to the Jim Thorpe community, and teach the kids what a really great game tennis is,” said Lux.
VETERANS
… A year after missing out on their season due to COVID-19, Michael Carroll, Connor Rodgers and Daniel Teets are excited to be returning to the court for their senior seasons. Junior Brendan McDermott also has varsity experience.
AN EYE ON YOU
… In addition to the veteran returnees, a few Olympian underclassmen have already caught Lux’s eye with their progression during the preseason. Among them are Cody Meckes (Jr.), Jayden Chambers (Soph.) and Samuel Seachrist (Fr.).
“I have really been impressed with some of the new kids, and younger kids on the team with the way they have been playing,” Lux said. “I am looking forward to seeing how they do in regular season play.”
LOW NUMBERS
… Lux is concerned about the Olympians’ depth, which is why he’s looking to attract more interest in the program.
“We’re looking to bring out some more kids from the school,” Lux said. “Right now, we’re fielding a team of only seven players. There might be two more kids joining this week, but we would still like for a few more kids to come out and join the team.”
EXPECTATIONS
… “Our goals are to have a record above .500, and make the District 11 playoffs,” said Lux. “I think with the schedule we have, and the quality of players that we have, I don’t think that’s too far out of reach. There is definitely some enthusiasm to be playing and learning, and just enjoying being outside. It’s really good to see the energy level, and the engagement from the kids, which I think is going to lead to a really productive season.”
LEHIGHTON
SOME NEW THINGS
… Lehighton has a new coach in Cody Shuler, and a new home court in the Valley Royale Tennis Club (located on Mahoning Drive in Mahoning Valley), which was formerly known as the Maple Tree Inn and Tennis Club and served as the Indians’ home court for years. The Indians had most recently used the Palmerton High School courts as their home away from home.
“The team is looking forward to having their home court back after a several-year hiatus,” Schuler said. “They have done a lot of work on the courts, and they look great. We are glad to be back.”
EXPERIENCED TRIBE
… Seniors Lyle Cordesm, Hailey Hoffman, Kira Hregician, along with junior Aaron Miller will lead the Indians this season. Miller will handle the responsibilities of No. 1 singles, while Cordes will sit at No. 2 singles. Hoffman and Hregician will represent the Indians at No. 2 doubles.
ROUNDING OUT THE LINEUP
… Sophomore Daniel Hoppes is expected to be at No. 3 singles. The sophomore duo of Edie Cordes and Luke Blauch currently looks like the No. 1 doubles team, although Schuler said there is a lot of competition for the doubles spots on the team.
“We have a lot of solid players who will be competing for spots in the doubles lineup,” Schuler said. “The team is expanding on the basics after an extended offseason.”
BIG NUMBERS
… Schuler has a loaded roster with 19 players out for the team.
“We are ready for a great spring season, and ready to expand the tennis program at Lehighton,” Schuler said.
PALMERTON
BACK AT IT
… Fifth-year head coach Jen Danzeisen and her Bombers are glad to be back on the court after COVID wiped out the 2020 spring season.
“Losing a year really put us back, but we are getting into the swing of things, no pun intended,” said Danzeisen. “For kids who don’t play this sport year-round, they are definitely showing they are athletes and are up for the challenge. We will be ready to play.”
MISSING SOME FAMILIAR FACES
… Nate Andress and Erica Messics, key members of the Palmerton team the last few seasons, have graduated. Andress was a two-time District 11 qualifier.
BOMBER UPPERCLASSMEN
… Hunter Connell and Brayden Kline are back to lead the Bombers this season. The senior duo were doubles’ players two years ago, but most likely will move into the singles lineup this season.
PLACES ON THE LADDER
… Seniors Nolan Walters and Madison Balliet, along with sophomore Riley Fallon, are among the other Bombers competing for spots in the starting lineup.
“We have 12 players on our team,” said Danzeisen. “Some have never played before, but they want to learn the sport, and I love that.
“I have seen a few of my returning players improve dramatically, and they started out knowing nothing about the game. I see potential in all of them, and I’m really happy with what I am seeing on the courts. They are listening and learning, and I am thrilled.”
FUNDAMENTALS
… Danzeisen always starts with what she feels is the most important thing to do in preseason.
“As always, I start working on conditioning and techniques,” Danzeisen said. “I want the kids to learn the strokes first, and then build on power and strategy. The team dynamic is really good as well. I’m excited to work with them and see what they can bring to the courts.”
PLEASANT VALLEY
BIG LOSSES
… A year ago, Josh Schaffner, John Berry and Dominic Tyner made up a solid singles trio for the Bears. But after just two matches, COVID-19 cut short what was looking like a promising season. Schaffner, Berry and Tyner all graduated, leaving some big holes in the Bears’ lineup.
STEPPING UP
… Donovan Rizvic and Atticus Gordon look like the early front-runners to fill a couple of the singles spots for veteran head coach Mark Allison.
BATTLING FOR SPOTS
… Allison has observed continued progress in several players this preseason. Juniors Dan Snyder and Jack Ertle, sophomore Jacob Hargrave and freshman Ben Keppel all have caught their coach’s eye.
“We have a great group of kids that are working very hard,” Allison said. “We have a nice battle going on for positions up and down our lineup.”
OPTIMISTIC
… Last year, the Bears were only able to get in two matches – a win against Northampton and a loss to Parkland – before the season came to an abrupt halt.
“We are hoping first of all that we will have a season not interrupted by the pandemic,” Allison said. “Numbers are lower this year – something that probably can be attributed to the pandemic. But the players we do have are committed to working hard and improving.”
Members of the Lehighton tennis team warm up before a recent practice. The Indians have a new coach and a new home this season. RON GOWER/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS
Jim Thorpe’s Jaden Chambers, left, gets hitting instruction from new head coach Sam Lux. RON GOWER/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS