Boys tennis returns veteran squad

The boys tennis team returns 12 players this year and adds four newcomers who will add depth to the experienced veteran squad.

Senior Paul Fullhart will start for the Outlaws at the No. 1 singles position. Fullhart is a third-year varsity player and last year as a junior made it to the quarterfinals at state.

"Paul can hit ground strokes with any 4A high school player in Oregon," said Coach Bim Gander. "This year Paul will work on his forecourt game, and work to improve his vollies and overheads."

Devon Calvin (senior) will split time between tennis and as a distance runner on the track. When Calvin is available he will play at No. 2 singles. Calvin is the only singles player on the team who is left-handed, and he will do his best to take advantage of that.

"All of the spins that Devon hits on serves go in the opposite direction, which is potentially confusing to opponents who haven't seen that before," said Gander.

Evan Rickards (senior) will play No. 3 singles. Rickards was co-captain of the state-champion soccer team and is a great tennis player.

"Evan is just superb," said Gander. "He is the most talented athlete on the team, and he has tremendous potential because of his athleticism."

Rounding out the singles players is junior Shawn Horton (No. 4). Horton has a good all-around game and Gander stated that Shawn will work to make it even stronger this year.

Ethan Stengel and Tyrell Gilmore have teamed up for a second season together at No. 1 doubles. Gander told The Nugget that he expects dramatic improvement from the duo this year.

Trevor Standen is slotted to play No. 2 doubles, and his partner is yet to be determined.

Michael Commins and Levi Anderson will make up the No. 3 doubles team. They played together in their first competitive match toward the end of last year. Gander stated they are coming on strong, and he expects good things from them this season.

Andrew Stengel and Jesse Anderson will play at No. 4 doubles. Noah Eckstine will be terrific back-up for the Outlaws in any position. Eckstine played tennis for the first time last year, and Gander said he is improving rapidly.

Newcomers to the team are Hunter Hansen, the Martinez brothers, Hayden and Kobe, and Gus Gyorgysalvy. These four players round out the team, and they will all see some playing time as the season progresses.

Last year, Sisters tied with Henley for a second-place finish at districts, despite the fact they were one doubles team short-handed. The Outlaws want to improve on that performance and hope to challenge North Bend for the district championship.

"We've got an excellent group of guys," said Gander. "They're very enthusiastic and can't wait to get started."

Gander enters his second year as head coach for the Outlaws. This year he will be assisted by John Downs, the varsity wrestling coach.

The Outlaws lost a squeaker to Redmond last year and hoped for revenge as they were scheduled to open league play on Tuesday, March 18, at Redmond.