Members of the Marysville High School boys tennis team are from left, front row, Carson Kane, Sean Richardson, Ethan Avink, Aidan Johantges, Donovin Natividad, Dylan Duff, Justin Marsh and Emma Knowles; second row, Grant Turk, Mason Ice, Kyrell Stauffer, Dalton Kane, Aidan Crouso, Ethan Roberts and Michael Ju Dizon; third row, Logan Brunswick, Adam Knowles, Andrew Seiltz, Jacob Markert, Cory Cordell and Philip Baker; back row, coaches Bill Romine, Brian Ash (head coach) and Mindy Kane. (Journal-Tribune photo by Sam Dillon)
The Monarch boys tennis team will return to the court after a year’s coronavirus absence.
MHS finished the 2019 campaign with an overall record of 7-10.
Marysville placed fourth in the Central Division of the Ohio Capital Conference that year.
Returning lettermen include seniors Sean Richardson and Carson Kane.
Richardson, who saw doubles action as a sophomore, will play first singles.
Kane played in a handful of varsity matches during the 2019 campaign.
He will start the 2021 season at second singles, but also has experience in doubles competition.
Newcomers to the varsity include junior Cory Cordell (third singles), senior Aidan Johantges and junior Jacob Markert (first doubles) and freshmen Dalton Kane and Kyrell Stauffer (second doubles).
“I also expect to see some varsity appearances from seniors Donovin Natividad, Dylan Duff, Justin Marsh and sophomore Mason Ice,” said MHS coach Brian Ash.
Richardson, Kane and Cordell will man first-through-third singles respectively to begin the season.
Johntges and Markert will start at first doubles, while Kane and Stauffer will see action at second doubles.
The Monarchs have moved into the Cardinal Division of the OCC.
“Our division of the OCC has always been tough,” said Ash. “The new division of teams is no exception.
“I expect Dublin Jerome, Olentangy and Olentangy Berlin to be the top three teams,” he said.
“I think we will be in a fight for the fourth spot with Thomas Worthington and Hilliard Darby.”
Ash said he likes the spirit of his team.
“Our players’ strengths lie in their enthusiasm for the sport and their competitive spirit,” he said. “These players don’t have a ton of varsity experience, due to losing our season last spring.
“However, every one of them knows how to fight it out on the court.”
Ash said the team’s goals are to finish with a winning record and earn that fourth spot in the Cardinal Division.