For Coupeville High School tennis coach Ken Stange, the outlook for his club this fall is a mystery.
He knows the talent of his own team, but doesn’t “quite know what to expect” from his opponents.
Like the other Coupeville teams, Stange’s squad is heading into the Olympic League for the first time. Unlike the other Coupeville teams, the tennis team will face a combined team from Port Townsend and Chimacum, negating the advantage of playing them — schools about their own size — separately.
Also on the schedule, along with Olympic League opponent Klahowya, are nonleague matches with always tough South Whidbey and three 2A schools, North Mason, Sequim and Archbishop Murphy.
The new league also brings a new format, three singles and four doubles matches each contest. In the past, the Wolves played two singles and three doubles matches.
“That creates more opportunities,” Stange said, “but it also means that more players will have to step up.”
With 23 players this year, Stange will not have trouble filling the extra slots.
The three singles spots will be manned by a trio of talented players.
Senior Aaron Curtin, who qualified for state in doubles last year with then-senior Ben Etzell, will handle No. 1 singles, Stange said.
Junior Sebastian Davis, who placed second in singles at district in 2013, and senior Kyle Bodamer, a regular from last year’s team, will round out the singles roster.
Also back from last year are two juniors who played varsity part time: Loren Nelson and Connor McCormick.
Key newcomers, Stange said, are sophomores Joseph Wedekind and John McClarin, who played JV last year. “They played all winter, rain or shine, and will likely be major contributors this season,” Stange said.
Others who should see varsity time are junior Jared Helmstadter, sophomore Grey Rische and freshmen Joey Lippo and William Nelson.
Stange’s goals for the year are for his players to grow, enjoy the experience and give maximum effort.
The Wolves head to Everett to play former league foe Archbishop Murphy at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10.
The first home and conference match is at 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, with Klahowya.
