LAPEL — Tennis at Lapel High School has a tradition of excellence.
Four straight Madison County titles and five straight sectional championship prove their prowess. Coach Justin Coomer is eager to continue the streak, but the natural progression of high school may create some obstacles.
The Bulldog lost several players from the last season who will be tough to replace.
“But there are kids who have been waiting for their turn,” Coomer said. “We have a good mix of newcomers and veterans.”
A 16-man roster has just five seniors — Reid Ratzlaff, Ian Vipperman, Ross Hagen, Carter Schott and Cole Metzger. Jesse McCurdy is the lone junior, and the balance of the team is comprised of sophomores and freshmen.
As the season progresses, Coomer will make the necessary adjustments in the varsity singles and doubles slots, he said, but McCurdy could likely maintain the No. 1 singles spot after being the No. 2 singles guy last year. McCurdy won a 6-0, 6-0 match against Elwood’s Jake Ball in the Aug. 11 season opener.
The match was originally scheduled the night before the Madison County tournament, but was switched to the earlier date. The Bulldogs won the match versus the Panthers 5-0.
Of the freshmen Bulldogs, Corbin Renihan and Colin Vipperman may be competing for varsity playing time. Renihan opened his high school career at No. 3 singles and overcame a 5-3 deficit in the first set to take the win 7-5, 6-0.
Metzger, at No. 2 singles, won 6-2, 6-0, while the doubles team of Ratzlaff and Hagen won 6-1, 6-0, and No. 2 doubles sophomores Trevor Whaley and Nick Thalls won 6-0, 6-1.
Despite the loss of some key players from last year, the Bulldogs haven’t wavered from their goals. They are determined to take another county title and defend once more another sectional crown. “We still have the chance to do it all again,” Coomer said. “We have a quick season and have to improve from match to match.”
With a schedule designed to make them a better team, the Bulldogs not only face many Madison County opponents, but take on Westfield, Noblesville and New Palestine.
This season, the team will travel Sept. 8 to Elkhart to play in the Jimtown 4-way Invitational, which includes Manchester and Triton high schools. This will be a new opportunity for the Bulldogs, one Coomer likes. “It’s always nice to play teams you normally don’t and haven’t seen play. It’s a nice change.”
Near the end of the season, Lapel will play in the Eastern Hancock Invitational Saturday, Sept. 22.
Because of the quick season, the Madison County is the first major test for area teams. Play begins Aug. 23.
The Bulldogs open at home, Aug. 16 against Marion High School and play host to Pendleton Heights Sept. 13.
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Reid Ratzlaff, senior
Ian Vipperman, senior
Ross Hagen, senior
Carter Schott, senior
Cole Metzger, senior
Jesse McCurdy, junior
Nick Thalls, sophomore
Trevor Whaley, sophomore
Eli Evelo, sophomore
Cam Gooding, sophomore
Will Rector, sophomore
Seth Shuck, sophomore
Jake Eppert, sophomore
Corbin Renihan, freshman
Colin Vipperman, freshman
Luke Lollar, freshman
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