Jonathan Alder’s boys tennis squad is pictured from left, front row, James Ratliff, Isaac Banks, Owen Hecht, Drew Corbitt, Charlie Aurin and Joshua Weakley; second row, coach Matt Carpenter, Dominic Gantz, Jack Kinsey, Drew Bailey, Reed Van Kirk, Austin Heiss, Riley Woods, Trevor Cox, Ben Haskins, Levi Honingford and head coach Ryan Swinehart. (Photo submitted)
Jonathan Alder boys tennis coach Ryan Swinehart is very optimistic about the 2021 campaign.
The Pioneers return many of the players from the 2019 squad, which was the last time the team was able to compete in matches.
Alder posted an overall record of 7-10 with a young squad that season.
JA also went 5-7 in the Central Buckeye Conference and tied for third place.
The Pioneers return lettermen in all three singles positions.
Seniors Riley Woods and Dominic Gantz will respectively man the first and second singles spots.
Junior Jacob Zang will play third singles.
“All three of these guys have really put in a ton of work and are absolute leaders of our program,” said Swinehart.
Letterman Grant Welsch, a junior, will team with newcomer Owen Hecht, a sophomore, at first doubles.
Senior Ben Haskins will be side-by-side with junior Reed Van Kirk for second doubles competition.
“Our strength is that we have four players who are good enough most years to be a first singles player,” said Swinehart.
“We look to have one of our most talented teams ever at Jonathan Alder,” he said.
Swinehart said the Pioneers have their eyes on winning the CBC championship.
“That would be the first time as a boys program,” he said. “However, the league is pretty solid.
“Northwestern is the defending champion and before that, Tecumseh had won four consecutive conference titles.”
Another goal, according to the coach, will be to try to have a singles player or doubles team advance to the district tournament for the first time in school history.