WICHITA, Kan.—
Trinity boy’s tennis will deal with a young and inexperienced team this season. Only three players return from last year’s team in senior Eric Armstrong and sophomores Jack Kriwiel and Will Zimmerman. Armstrong is the only of the three with state tourney experience. Armstrong was paired with the graduated Jon Nygaard last year as the No. 1 doubles team.
Armstrong hoped to play doubles again this year, but with so little talent returning Armstrong will be thrust into the No. 1 singles spot. Last year’s No. 1 singles player, senior Chase Prewitt, is dealing with eligibility issues and won’t be available for the season.
Doubles is a completely different game from singles in tennis. While in doubles there are many more opportunities for big winners and the game is fast-paced, singles is more rallying and staying alive.
“Singles is a match to see who messes up first,” said assistant coach Dan Zimmerman, an ’09 Trinity graduate.
The rest of the team will be made up of inexperience as Armstrong is also the only varsity returner. Head coach Dave Zimmerman understands this year will be a struggle.
“[The new players] are going to get beaten severely as they learn,” said Zimmerman.
However there is an advantage to having inexperienced players, especially in technical sport like tennis. Zimmerman will be able to mold the players’ game and teach them how he wants them to play, without having to undo bad habits.
The top spots will be up for grabs this year, but no matter what happens inexperienced players will be relied on to reach what Armstrong sees as the ultimate goal.
“… our goal is to try and win Regionals and make State,” said Armstrong.
Trinity’s season will start Tuesday, Mar. 27 at Hesston High School.
