EAGLES READY TO TAKE OFF
Anchored in history, Thompson Valley ready to build on success of last year
Gravity keeps tennis balls from flying into the impossible, unknowable distance.
Gravity, in the sense of presence and importance, keeps a tennis program from slipping out of view as well.
That’s the tone orbiting around the Thompson Valley girls program these days, with the Eagles coming off two straight years of sending multiple lines to the Class 4A state tournament. The 2022 season represented a defining moment for coach Jay Klagge, who has been running the show for boys and girls tennis at the school in assorted stretches since 2001, when 10 of 11 players went to state.
The resume for the Eagles is starting to look rather impressive, and they have full expectations to build on the progress, even with three important seniors graduated and a couple players heading off to help start up the new program at Resurrection Christian.
“In 2012, we finished fourth, a team with that core of players like Andrea Brush, Emily Erickson, Hannah Gregory — it set a standard for Thompson Valley,” Klagge said. “We’ve been able to have good numbers on the boys and girls side, and they’ve done a good job working together in the summer. We’ve got interest in tennis, in the building, and we’re able to sustain some competitiveness in tennis, year to year.
“Growing up in Minnesota, it’s not hard for me to walk out and get on the court when it’s 40 degrees. We have a culture of playing in (winter), our rackets don’t go quiet, and I think that helps us.”
Senior Allie Mertens, who reached the quarterfinals at No. 3 singles last year, is taking over the No. 1 spot for TVHS this time around. Miranda Spooner played No. 3 doubles last year, also reaching the quarterfinals, and she’s slotted in at No. 2 singles; Jayna Erickson also has swings at state in her quiver, and she’ll play No. 3 singles.
An interesting story to watch is unfolding at No. 1 doubles, with senior Jacie Krieger back after a long absence and a brave effort to get on the court after notable injury issues. She is facing another hip surgery in the offseason, but for now she’ll go to work with classmate Becca Wiersema — Klagge likes the make-up of this team, with Krieger owning a powerful swing and Wiersma notorious for her hustle and ability to cover ground.
Seniors Camy Wiersema and Brenna Rutherford are playing No. 2 doubles, sophomores Kam
Otteson and Sarah Takken are in at No. 3 doubles, and senior Mary Liakas and junior Emma Smack round out the lineup, which is already 2-0 after dual wins this week against Eaton and Mountain View.
“We are starting to get a look at the lines; we’ve got a couple of tennis junkies in our sophomores playing 3 doubles,” Klagge added. “We’ll have pretty good depth and hopefully we’ll make the adjustments we need going forward. The margin is always small when you get to the end and into regionals — one set goes one way or the other, and small things make a difference late.”