By Bobby Narang –
The Marmion Academy boys tennis program enters a new era this Spring in Aurora.
Brian Cole takes over the head coaching duties for the Cadets’ program.
Led by singles players Jack Draper and Anthony Sleezer, the Cadets will seek to break new ground this season.
“Some of the keys to a strong season is to know our strengths and weaknesses,” Cole said. “We have to improve on our strengths and try to improve the weakest part of our games. We need to build confidence in our game, our strokes, and our partners. We need to be mentally tough and resilient.
“I think we have a strong team with lots of good returning players. I think Jack Draper has come into this season really focused. Anthony Sleezer is a very talented player.”
Cole said that his doubles team of Dominic Bermudez and Greyson Piotrowski, “should be tough to beat and they have great chemistry.”
• Meanwhile, Batavia is another team with high hopes. The Bulldogs compiled an 18-3 dual meet record last year and earned a sectional championship. Junior Brogan Pierce, a State qualifier and Western Michigan University recruit, and Chase Bremner, a state qualifier and Taylor University recruit, are the top returnees. The Bulldogs, though, have some open spots on their doubles teams to fill.
“We will be very strong at the top of our singles lineup with Pierce and Bremner playing their third year in those spots,” Batavia head coach Brad Nelson said.
“If we can improve our service returns, play strong mentally, and find some doubles teams that work well together, this will be an outstanding season for us. We have the talent and experience to win every weekend tournament and compete for conference and a sectional titles.”