In his tenure as Warsaw Community High School’s boys tennis coach, Rick Orban has had some very good teams. The veteran skipper said he’s had four teams he would classify as “great teams.” And he certainly believes his 2013 squad has the talent and depth to add to Warsaw’s deep tradition and history. The Tigers got off on the right foot Tuesday evening, as they opened the season with a 5-0 win over the visiting Westview Warriors. “I’m pleased with it,” Orban said of his team’s victory, which came via straight-set wins at all five varsity positions. “We changed the lineup a little bit because Evan (Miller) was out. But the kids were very focused.” The Tigers were clearly the better team, and Westview’s best showing came at No. 1 singles, where Warsaw’s Kyle Wettschurack beat Kohle Christner 6-3, 6-2. “Kyle played well at No. 1 singles,” said Orban. “He got off to a slow start, but I thought he played well. The kid he beat is good player.” At No. 2 singles, Warsaw’s Sam Rice was a 6-1, 6-2 winner over Andrew Yoder, and at No. 3 singles, Warsaw’s Caleb Ray beat Stephen Gierek 6-1, 6-0. “Experience-wise, singles would be our strength,” said Orban. “But the strength of this team really is the team. We have depth and talent all the way through the lineup.” In No. 1 doubles action, Warsaw’s Nic Jansen and Will Petro beat Hunter Christner and Asher Gingerich 6-0, 6-1. At No. 2 doubles, the Tigers’ duo of Christopher Herendeen and Nikos Schlitt topped Zack Schrock and Taylor Eash 6-2, 6-0. “The guys were very focused tonight,” said Orban. “That’s nice to see. Nobody wanted to lose. I’m excited about this team. It’s still high school, and we have to stay healthy, but this should be a very solid year.” In junior varsity action, Warsaw beat Westview 9-0. The Tigers host Huntington North today, and then host Penn Thursday.
WARSAW 5, WESTVIEW 0 SINGLES: No. 1 – Kyle Wettschurack (War) def. Kohle Christner 6-3, 6-2; No. 2 – Sam Rice (War) def. Andrew Yoder 6-1, 6-2; No. 3 – Caleb Ray (War) def. Stephen Gierek 6-1, 6-0 DOUBLES: No. 1 – Nic Jansen/Will Petro (War) def. Hunter Christner/Asher Gingerich 6-0, 6-1; No. 2 – Christopher Herendeen/Nikos Schlitt (War) def. Zack Schrock/Taylor Eash 6-2, 6-0
JV – Warsaw 9, Westview 0 Singles: No. 1 – Andrew Gauger (War) def. Alex Stutzman 8-4; No. 2 – Justin Stout (War) def. John Campos 8-6; No. 3 – David Homme (War) def. Darin Yoder 8-0; No. 4 – Tim Rata (War) def. Alex Stutzman 6-0; No. 5 – Mario Hernandez (War) def. Darin Yoder 7-5 Doubles: No. 1 – Ryan WettSchurack/Cole Baker (War) def. Trey Zabona/Benson Stoltzfus 8-2; No. 2 – Caleb DeBoest/Drew McCollom (War) def. Chris Janik/Rafael Flores 8-0; No. 3 – Wesley Shuler/Hudson Snyder (War) def. Trey Zabona/Benson Stoltzfus 8-2; No. 4 – Keeton Barton/Jean-Luc Baldwin (War) def. Chris Janik/Rafael Flores 6-0
