Ample experience on

Eagles' tennis team

By DAVE CLARK

Journal Sports Writer

NEW ULM -- There's nothing that makes a high school coach smile more than having veteran leadership on the squad, so forgive New Ulm Eagles boys tennis coach Joe Poncin if he smiles a little more this year than last season.

The Eagles lost just two players to graduation and returned seven letter winners from the 2001 team that went 6-5 overall and 2-3 in the South Central conference. That's seven players with experience to go along with some off-season work.

"The seniors have dedicated themselves to having a successful season by working very hard this past summer and winter," Poncin said. "The kids out for tennis are a great group of kids to work with. We're looking forward to a good season."

Poncin should know a good season when he sees one, because this is his 33rd year as head coach of the New Ulm boys tennis team. Senior Matt Olson and junior Jimmy Vancura won conference championships at the number three and four singles position last spring and hope to see state tourney action at the end of the season.

Troy Fenske, Tim Hellendrung, Nick Johnson and John Witt are four other letter winners returning for their final season, with sophomore John Hildebrandt being the final veteran player.

There are nine other possible varsity players for the 2002 Eagles: senior Scott Hofmeister; juniors, John Christensen, Ryan Berndt and Nick Safford; sophomores, Joel Runck, Josh Date, Jay Smith and Sam Nelson as well as freshman Matt Sprung.

The Eagles' first goal is to improve on last year's won-lost record, and to do it they must beat strong Waseca and Blue Earth teams in the conference. Sectionwide, Minnetonka, Hopkins and Eden Prairie will present themselves as formidable competition.

The Eagles begin the season on Tuesday in Redwood Falls against Redwood Valley.