The unpredictable Utah spring weather doesn’t always cooperate with the sports season. This is definitely true with boys tennis. 

Teams have to be flexible and creative to fit in practice time and matches as they cope with the rain, cold and even snow. Still, the Davis and Farmington squads have had some success so far. 

Davis 

The Darts won their first three region matches and first three non-region matches, leading to a lot of optimism about the team’s fortunes this season. Davis also took second in the Panther Slam at Pine View High School in St. George where it competed against eight other teams. Most Davis players earned medals for their individual or doubles performances. 

Head coach Ron Hubrich is confident about his team’s ability. Davis is a senior-laden team, with six of its seven varsity starters being 12th graders and having played for multiple years on the team. The Darts have good leadership and experience. 

“We definitely have high expectations,” he said. “We feel that we can compete for our region championship and should also field a strong team to represent Davis High for the state tournament.”

So far, Hubrich is pleased with his players’ attitudes and work ethic. He likes that they enjoy the game too. 

“Hopefully our team can stay healthy and continue to improve with each match,” he said. “But my most important measure of success is for each team member to be able to play their best on the court while at the same time having fun doing it. I believe that this team has the skills and mind set to continue on that path for the remainder of the season.”

First singles player Owen Putnum is the lone junior on the varsity team. Hubrich has appreciated his “even-tempered mentality” and “patience in long rallies.” Senior Everett Halverson, a captain, is the second singles player. At third singles is senior Jacob Williams. Seniors Will Parkinson (another captain) and Scott Finlinson team up at first doubles, while the second doubles team has changed throughout the year, with senior Jeff Cook being the mainstay. Mitch Cox, Luke Edgington, Adrick Bowen and Corbin Wilko are other seniors who have gotten varsity time. 

“I did not even have to select [Parkinson and Halverson] as captains, because I could see that the team looked up to them early on as the natural leaders,” Hubrich said. “Their upbeat and positive attitude at every practice and match is infectious and resonates throughout the team. Both have a very strong all-around game that has definitely improved each year.”

Hubrich said this has been an easy team to coach. He loves not only how they conduct themselves on the court but what they do off it as well. 

“I certainly enjoy being able to work with these great young men,” he said. “They all seem to love life, are excelling in school and truly enjoy the camaraderie of being on a high school tennis team. I am hoping that this will be a wonderful final year experience for the seniors, as well as prepare everyone else returning for a bright future on the team.”

Farmington

For Farmington boys tennis head coach Maren Sanders, it’s all about preparing for the big state tournament. 

The Phoenix are gearing up to qualify as many players as possible for state, which begins with the first round May 4. Fortunately for the Phoenix, their school hosts the first round. The later rounds and finals will be at Liberty Park in Salt Lake City, May 9, 11. 

“The team has performed great so far,” Sanders said. “We’ve seen a lot of amazing things from the players, and we are excited for the state tournament in May.”

Along with having a good showing at state, Sanders expects her players to exhibit good sportsmanship and play hard. This is something she wants to see at every practice and match. 

“We need to focus on our consistency and energy on court,” she said. 

The first doubles tandem of seniors Spencer Ostermiller and Landon Packer, both captains, are leading the team. Fellow senior captain Chuck Frey has been the first singles player on the varsity squad, with another junior Nate Bullard, at third singles, serving as captain as well. Junior Justin Steed has played well at the second singles slot. Junior second doubles player Blake Geddes has impressed Sanders this season. Junior Noah Larsen and senior Jacob Stone have played various positions this season and are important members of the team. 

“Each of these players have their strengths that have helped us have a successful season,” Sanders said.

Sanders said the team’s biggest asset this season has been its unity and closeness She also appreciates the players’ attitudes and resolve. 

“Our team strengths are our camaraderie and our tenacity,” she said. “On court, my boys always fight to the end.”

Sanders wants to see the players work on their skills and continue to get better as the season goes on. She knows the most challenging matches will be later in the year at state. She also emphasizes the importance of the boys developing attributes that will serve them well outside of the game. 

“I would like to see the boys continue to improve their tennis but also improve at becoming adults,” she said. “Tennis inherently is an individual sport, but sports in general help teach life lessons and develop athletes into functioning adults.”

Win or lose, Sanders is pleased with the players’ commitment. She is grateful for the chance she has to coach this group. 

“I enjoy coaching this team because of the amount of talent we have and that I’ve seen each of these players grow over the years,” she said. “They’re great players and great kids.”