By BUTCH HARMON
Thanks to a large and solid group of singles players, the St. Johns tennis team is looking for big things this season under new coach Mark Mercer.
A 1974 graduate of St. Johns, Mercer has a great knowledge of the Redwing tennis program and is looking to continue the legacy of legendary Redwing tennis coach Al Werbish.
“We have a good group of guys this year,” Mercer said. “A lot of them came up playing for Al. I’m looking to carry on what Al started here.”
Leading the way for the Redwings in singles action is senior Austin Parsons. Parsons played at No. 2 singles last year, and is making the jump to the highly competitive No. 1 spot.
“Austin has to play all the tough guys,” Mercer said. “He’s a good player, it’s just tough playing at one singles.”
The Redwings are solid at No. 2 singles with junior Zach Peters.
“Zach is fitting into No. 2 beautifully,” Mercer said. “He’s a smart player. He’s not a pure power player, but he’s been winning a lot of matches.”
Junior Paul Sochor holds down the No. 3 spot for the Redwings. Sochor has a power game, and he gained experience at No. 4 singles last year.
“Paul has a heck of a high drop shot,” Mercer said. “He can also hit with power. He’s a pretty good player for us.”
Rounding out the singles lineup is sophomore Tyler Wilkie at No. 4 singles. Wilkie gives opponents fits with his two-handed backhand.
The Redwing lineup did take a hit in the early season, when junior Brennan LaBar was lost for the season due to a motorcross mishap. A member of the swim team, LaBar hopes to be healthy for the boy’s swim season.
In the doubles lineup, the Redwings have been making steady progress. Zack Werner and Zane Nachazel are at No. 1 doubles. Junior Mitch Marier and freshman Mitchell Gazda are at No. 2 doubles. Sophomore Brock LaBar, Brennan’s brother, is at No. 3 doubles along with junior Erickson Hufnagle. Rounding out the doubles lineup is senior Conner Geil and junior Zach Bouck at No. 4.
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