SPRING OUTLOOK: Park Hill South Boys Tennis

Park Hill South proved their boy’s tennis program continued on the up and up last year. Starting where they left off the year before, the Panthers won all their dual matches on except one on their way to repeating as a conference champions, won the team district title, and advanced past sectionals into the state quarterfinals before falling to Rockhurst. The Panthers’ top doubles team of Griffin Smith and Zack Royle advanced as a pair to state, placing in the top five, which was the highest finish in the programs history.

With last year in the rear view mirror and Smith now playing at Truman State, Royle returns for his junior year to now serve as the Panthers top player and take over as a captain leading what Coach Ian Cunliff describes as a young team with high potential.

“This is a rebuilding year with a young team that will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience,” Cunliff said. “We look forward to learning as much as possible over the next few months and are excited about our chances.”

While Royle will likely play both singles and doubles, his partner or the other pairs have not completely been decided yet. Joining him on the varsity level will be Jim Geary, Josh Robaska, Brandon Courtney, Josh Boehm, and Garrison Ballam.

Despite new and old faces alike competing for the Panthers in 2012, their goals remain relatively unchanged including another trip to the playoffs and to beat rival Park Hill, which has traditionally come hand in hand.

“Our goals are to qualify for postseason play, beat Park Hill, qualify two players for state individual play, and to learn as much as possible,” Cunliff said.

Park Hill South starts the season off with two home matches against Park Hill and Fort Osage next week.