Boys team ready to hit the courts

The boys tennis team is counting on veteran players and strong newcomers to build a good season on the courts.

The boys tennis team returns nine varsity players to their squad. Back for another stint are Colby Gilmore, Luke Gnos, Ben Fullhart, Sam Quinn, Jake Lasken, Sean Tosello, Alex Cristiano, Jared Schneider and Andy Thomas.

Garth Tosello will step in at the helm as the Outlaws' new boys varsity tennis coach, bringing 25 years of experience with him. Tosello has played team and competitive tennis, taught junior tennis and coached at the high school level.

"Tennis is a great sport, especially when played as a team. So, that will be our focus this year: playing as a team and winning districts as a team," said Tosello.

Colby Gilmore (junior) and Luke Gnos (sophomore) will play No. 1 doubles. Gilmore played doubles last season, and Gnos played at the JV level.

"Colby brings quickness at the net, and a strong forehand," said Tosello. "He has a very good knowledge of doubles' strategy. Luke is one of our most improved players. He hits hard ground strokes on both sides, has a solid serve and brings a competitive attitude."

Junior Ben Fullhart played doubles last year but has adapted his game to singles and will play at the No. 1 singles spot. Fullhart has very solid ground strokes, great net instincts and a heavy first serve.

Sam Quinn and Jake Lasken will play No. 2 doubles.

"Sam (a junior) has improved his game knowledge, has a good game attitude and is very good at the net," said Tosello. "Jake (a senior) played JV doubles last year and has improved his ground strokes. I expect Jake to be very competitive at net and baseline."

Senior Sean Tosello played at the No. 3 and No. 4 single spots last year and this year will fill the No. 2 spot. Sean was voted team captain by the coaches and has a very good all-around game. Tosello brings a good work ethic to his game and his serve-and-volley game can be very dangerous.

Junior Marcus Cooper is new to the team and will play No. 3 doubles with junior Alex Cristiano.

"Marcus has a fast improving forehand and a no-blink attitude at the net," said Tosello. "Alex played doubles last year and has improved his forehand."

Jared Schneider (a sophomore) will fill the No. 3 singles position. Schneider played JV doubles last year and is now testing his singles game.

Max Van Diest (sophomore) and Trevor Bulman-Jutte (sophomore) are both new to the squad and will play No. 4 doubles. Tosello told The Nugget that Van Diest has a strong forehand stroke and aggressive volleys, and he expects a fast learning curve from Max. Tosello added that Trevor has a very good potential for an all-around game and forehand and competitive play are his strengths.

Senior Andy Thomas played doubles last season, but this year will play No. 3 singles. Also new to the team are sophomore Seth Urquhart and freshman Spencer Greene, Cody Lane and Trevor Elson.

The Outlaws were to host Bend at Black Butte Ranch on Tuesday, March 16, and a day later travel to Madras.