PENDLETON — While four seniors lead the Arabians in play this season, a large crop of underclassmen is on hand to prepare for the future of Pendleton Heights tennis.

“I have everybody back but one,” coach Royce Hammel said. “With the incoming freshmen, we have 22 total for the team, and 17 are returnees.”

The Arabians lost their No. 1 singles player with the graduation of Drew Wilson, but a veteran varsity player will take over the vacated top spot.

Senior Walker Stull is back, along with junior Kaleb Alumbaugh, who played singles last year. Stull and Alumbaugh are captains this year.

“I want leadership in practice and conditioning, and when they’re on the court, they need that presence of competing, sportsmanship and etiquette,” Hammel said.

Newer players don’t always know all the rules of the game and etiquette expected in play, he said.

Senior Seth Moore and junior Jackson McKinney are two more familiar faces, as well as Evan Smith. Moore, who played doubles last year will play singles this season.

“That kind of throws a kink, a little,” Hammel said. “So, we’re mixing up our doubles a little bit.

“This is a good group to work on for the next few years,” Hammel said.

As far as freshmen go, Blake Stoker is another notable who could crack the varsity lineup in singles or possibly doubles.

The five freshmen are a product of the middle school tennis program that debuted last year.

“Next year, we probably will have another two pretty good additions as well,” Hammel said.

While Hammel has watched his players to determine their positions, he is eying possible adjustments halfway through the season. Senior David Bailey may step into No. 2 doubles at some point. Hammel said Bailey has one of the bigger serves on the team.

Hammel said the first two weeks of practice yielded good results, and the testing would begin with the season home opener Wednesday, Aug. 15, against Frankton.

After the season begins, the pace is nonstop. Following an away match with Hamilton Heights today, Thursday, Aug. 16, the Arabians have two matches Aug. 20 and 21 before Madison County tourney play begins on Wednesday, Aug. 22. The Arabians face Anderson Prep in the first round at Pulaski Park in Anderson.

“We should be competitive,” Hammel said

After finishing 13-8 last season, Hammel said the team should equal or surpass that record this year.

“Of course, you never know what other schools are bringing back or adding on.”

He sees Lapel and Alexandria as the teams to beat in Madison County.

“I’m cautiously optimistic, and I’m looking to have a good season,” Hammel said.

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Seniors

David Bailey

Seth Moore

Walker Stull

Evan Smith

Juniors

Kaleb Alumbaugh

Evan Bobb

Caleb King

Jack Long

Jackson McKinney

Zach Nelson

Nick Vetor

Sophomores

Ian Bailey

Caygan Cooper

Parker Hammons

Nick Herrberg

Jack Hudson

Evan John

Freshmen

Will Bluel

Logan Jones

Ryland Mills

Blake Stoker

Braydon Webster

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