With a roster of four players, Hillsboro tennis coach Stuart Holmes will be working at developing individual success more than team success this spring.
A full varsity lineup has six openings?two singles players and two doubles teams. With four players, the Trojans would be limited to three entries rather than four.
?I?m looking forward to the season as we?ll focus on helping all players improve, being competitive, and working to help each player have a positive experience,? Holmes said.
The Trojans return two letter-winners, seniors Ty Carey and River Cecil. They are joined by junior Josh Funk and foreign-exchange student Leo Sontag.
?The guys seem focused and really looking forward to the season,? Holmes said. ?As our guys dedicate themselves to getting better, they will find the satisfaction that goes with working hard as well as increased measures of success.?
Just where in the lineup each player will find that success remains to be determined. Carey and Cecil did play No. 2 doubles on a couple of occasions last season, including the Central Kansas League tournament.
?With just a few practices, it is too early to tell who will earn which varsity spots?and, of course, that can change throughout the year,? Holmes said.
?Every day, we will be looking to improve in practice and make progress throughout the season,? he added. ?Tennis provides a great opportunity to challenge yourself mentally as well as physically, and we want to grow in both areas each day, whether at practice or in competition.?
The Trojans can be assured of meeting some stiff competition along the way.
?Certainly here in central Kansas, we get the opportunity to compete against some of the best 2A and 3A players in the state,? Holmes said. ?We?ll be working hard to take it to the next level and compete against the best.?
The Trojans open the season Thursday at Circle High School with a field that also includes Wichita Trinity and Conway Springs.
The team will make its home debut April 10 with the Hills?boro Invitational. The field includes Chapman, Circle, Conway Springs, Hutch Trinity, Smoky Valley and Sterling. Matches begin at 3 p.m.
Hillsboro will host the Trojan Invitational April 22.
