By Dan Truttschel
Correspondent
The last time the Big Foot-Williams Bay boys tennis team ruled the conference was 51 years ago – 1964 to be exact.
But don’t tell first-year head coach Christopher Chen that his team can’t break that streak in 2015.
He’s fully confident they can.
Chen, the Big Foot girls coach in the fall, replaces former longtime head coach Jim Karedes, who stepped down to focus on his administrative duties in the Delavan-Darien School District.
“Our team’s outlook this year revolves around winning conference,” Chen said. “We haven’t won since 1964, but I like our team’s chances with our depth.”
Chen identified three key things his team must do if it hopes to hang a banner later this spring.
“Some keys to success are staying consistent, staying focused and staying hungry,” he said.
Heading into this week, the varsity lineup includes senior William Huerth at No. 1 singles; senior Christian Munoz at No. 2; freshman Jack Heidenreich at No. 3; and junior Liam McCarthy at No. 4.
On the doubles’ side, seniors Nick Klesmith and Nico Tovar are at No. 1; juniors Adrian Hernandez and Michael Heidenreich at No. 2; and sophomore Matthew Zaremba and junior J.P. Canizales are at No. 3.
Munoz and Klesmith are team captains, and are joined by another leader in Huerth, Chen said.
“(The captains have) done a great job being the team’s leaders,” he said. “Will Huerth is probably the most vocal leader on the team.
“My expectations for those three are to set a good example for the younger guys and develop a sense of togetherness within the squad.”
Looking at the RVC, Chen said he expects McFarland to put a talented team on the court, but added his squad should be right in the mix.
And he’s not just talking about this year, either.
“Even though it’s my first year (with the boys), I want the team to be a perennial conference contender,” Chen said. “From there, we’ll have to see how things shake out.
“But I believe we live in an area where we have a bunch of strong players. It’s just a matter of getting them to play in the off-season and develop that sense of pride in the program.”
Chen is ready to take on the new challenge of working with the boys – and he knows there will be some different things to conquer than what he had to deal with in the fall.
“Coaching boys is a completely different animal with its own set of challenges,” he said. “I’m excited to build off the success we had during the girls season and turn the boys team into its own great set of guys.”
Chen will be assisted this spring by Dani Lawler, who also worked with him in the fall.
“She’s a great asset to the team and does a real good job providing all the extra support and knowledge to help the boys develop on and off the court,” Chen said.
Chiefs split opening duals
Big Foot opened play last week with a 4-3 split, first in a loss to Southern Lakes Conference foe Union Grove, followed a win with the same score Monday against Whitewater in its RVC opener.
Chen said the dual featured five three-set matches, made even more difficult by blustery winter-like conditions.
“I’m so proud of the team, though, for pulling out such a gutsy win against a quality conference opponent in those conditions,” he said.
Big Foot was back in action Thursday at Jefferson, followed by a trip to the East Troy Quadrangular Friday at 3:30 p.m. The Chiefs travel to McFarland Monday for a key early-season matchup with the Spartans.
