There will be a lot of new faces in the lineup for the Ankeny boys’ tennis team this season.
The Hawks return only two of their top six singles players from last year’s squad that posted a 2-9 record, including a 1-7 mark in the CIML Conference.
“It looks like a building year for our underclassmen and every senior expected to contribute significantly,” said Ankeny coach Ron Miller.
Junior Dylan Victor is the team’s top returning player. He posted a 5-6 record at the No. 2 singles position as a sophomore and went 1-3 at the No. 1 spot.
Senior Cale Josten is back after going 3-7 at the No. 6 position. Last year, Josten and Victor helped Ankeny to a 5-1 win over Waterloo West in the quarterfinals of a Class 2A substate team tournament before the Hawks dropped a 5-0 decision at Mason City in the semifinal round.
“Those two guys will begin the season in the Nos. 1 and 2 positions with the next eight players fighting for the remaining singles spots,” Miller said.
Kuennen Bodensteiner is also back along with fellow seniors Colin and Drew Lueck. Sophomores Lincoln Geest and Noah Neal are the other returnees.
“The Luecks have played 4 and 5 doubles the last couple years,” Miller said.
Miller is also counting on five newcomers to make an immediate impact, including senior Brody Hoefle. Hoefle, a standout on the Ankeny Christian Academy boys’ basketball and baseball teams, has joined the program that won a Class 2A state team title in 2003.
That championship squad was coached by Brody’s late father, Dennis.
“Brody has been a very pleasant surprise,” Miller said. “He’s very athletic and focused.”
Michael Black, Treyton Riesberg, Grady Schlosser and Garrett Weichers are also expected to contribute for the Hawks.
“Those four guys are all freshmen who will help fill the gap left by graduated players,” Miller said. “Our five seniors and four freshmen will compete for the 2 thru 6 singles positions and all of the doubles openings.”
Miller is hoping for another fruitful week of practice before Ankeny opens the season on April 1 by hosting a non-conference meet against Ottumwa.
“Our first week of practice has come and gone with three of the five days being pretty good and the other two indoors because of the cold,” Miller said. “But the actual practices have been very promising and productive.”