Coach says depth of talent team’s biggest advantage
By Dan Truttschel
Correspondent
The goals never change for the East Troy High School boys tennis team.
First on the list is win the Rock Valley Conference title – and if that can’t happen, the focus turns to seeing how many individuals can advance deep into the postseason.
Answers to both questions won’t be found for several weeks, but veteran head coach Dave Lindow likes the makeup of this year’s squad.
“We’re looking to be competitive in all matches,” he said. “We have 10 solid guys. We’re not overpowering at any of the spots, but (we’re) deep.”
East Troy returns six letterwinners this spring, led by senior John Brehm, who will play at No. 1 singles.
Also back after they earned a letter last year are juniors Vince Baxter, Brody Woodson, Jared Paullin and Jordan Paullin; and sophomore No. 2 singles player Nick Boudo.
Baxter and Woodson will man the No. 1 doubles spot, while the Paullin brothers will play at No. 2.
Lindow, who is entering his 23rd year as head coach, said the trio of Brehm, Baxter and Woodson will lead the way this season.
“These guys will lock down the top spots on our team,” he said. “They will be one, two or three singles or (Brehm) will be one singles and the other two will be one doubles.”
Looking to pick up their first varsity letter are sophomores Jared Brehm and Joe Moede, at No. 3 and 4 singles, respectively, along with seniors Adam Wells and Lucas Bottum and sophomores C.J. D’Amico and Jacob Starr, who are expected to vie for the No. 3 doubles spot, Lindow said.
Looking at the conference, Lindow expects both McFarland and Watertown Luther Prep to be the teams to watch – with the rest of the field in hot pursuit.
“We will play our strong lineup and see what happens to (try to) win the conference title,” he said. “If it’s not going to happen, we will move to a postseason lineup to try to get some kids to state.”
Lindow, who is assisted by Paul Kielas for the 23rd straight year, said this season’s team has had to deal with one additional factor.
The weather – which hasn’t cooperated to this point.
“Weather is always a factor,” he said. “One of my coldest starts in my 23 years as head coach. We have made the best of it.
“We made it (outside) nine of our first 10 practices. Now that it is warming up, the wind is picking up. It’s always a challenge.”
East Troy opens its schedule Thursday against visiting Whitefish Bay Dominican at 4 p.m. The Trojans travel to Brown Deer Monday, April 18, for a 4 p.m. nonconference dual meet.
