This season, the rain and lightning haven’t been stopping the boys tennis team from hitting their aces as they get pumped for the switch to 6A–discovering what the new competition will mean for the team.

The team has been very successful, as they have started their season off with a bang by beating Forest Grove 5-3, as well as sweeping Madison in the first couple matches of the 2015 season. “For 2015, we are relying on seven returning players from last year and seven newcomers. Singles will be handled by experienced players; senior Sebastian Dibblee (PIL 5A  second place in 2014) and junior Richard Pahl lead the way. Juniors Jamil Ditter, Ben Klatchko, and senior Olliver Barr complete the squad,” coach Art Shapiro said, regarding the tennis veterans and who to watch out for this season.

This is Shapiro’s second year of coaching boys tennis, two years removed from retiring  as a Cleveland math teacher for 15 years.  “I also coached the seasons of 2002 and 2003. I retired as a full-time CHS teacher in 2012. I believe we have a more talented team than last year, when we competed in PIL 5A. Besides the challenge of playing against very good teams like Wilson and Franklin, we now have to vie against powerhouse 6A teams, like Grant and Lincoln. I am not all that happy about moving up to 6A; it will be tough, but I know we will compete well,” Shapiro said, reflecting on the challenge of the year.