Members of the Monarch boys tennis squad are from left, front row, Sameer Parashar, Jack Wilson, Joel Sheeley, Devin Kyle, Alexander Seiltz, Connor Kennedy and Sam Balderson; second row, Donovan Natividad, Carson Kane, Justin Marsh, Jimmy Nguyen, Lakin Ahlstrom, Neil Chopra, Jesse Flint and Alex Hettle; third row, Aiden Johantges, Ethan Avink, Lennart Schwartz, Andrew Seiltz, Ian Pete, Peyton Ice and Corey Cordell; back row, head coach Brian Ash, Jack Nuspl, Sean Richardson, Spence Buchheit, Jesse Lowery and assistant coach Bill Romine.
(Journal-Tribune photo by Sam Dillon)
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Marysville High School boys tennis coach Brian Ash feels the 2019 season will bring improvement.
The Monarchs compiled a 7-10 overall record during the 2018 campaign and finished fourth in the Ohio Capital Conference Central Division.
MHS has several lettermen returning to the lineup.
They include seniors Joel Sheeley (first singles), Sameer Parashar (second singles), Sam Balderson (third singles) and Devin Kyle and Alexander Seiltz (first doubles).
They will be joined by junior Jack Nuspl, who will play second doubles.
Nuspl will team with junior Peyton Ice.
Additional newcomers include junior Alex Hettel and sophomores Carson Kane and Sean Richardson.
Ash admitted the Monarchs will still have a tough time against several OCC opponents.
“Upper Arlington and Dublin Coffman are at the top and Hilliard Davidson will be a close third,” he said. “However, we once again have a veteran team and they’re anxious to show what they’re capable of this season,” said Ash. “I think we have a good chance of breaking .500 this year.”
Ash hopes the anticipated improvement will extend into future seasons.
One factor that could play into that progression is the formation of a middle school team, which is under the direction of coach John McPheron.
“This is a vital addition to the Marysville tennis program,” said Ash. “I am very much looking forward to seeing where our teams take us over the next several years.”