Rams tennis – all new faces
JOHNSONBURG – It's a redo for the co-op Rams tennis team that includes all newcomers for the upcoming season.
Kyler Breakey takes over as the head coach, replacing Anna Chelgreen, whose 2022 squad included all seniors. He'll guide six players, all new to the sport. Ridgway players include the team's only senior, Eric Gustafson, and juniors Alex Merritt and Ethan Streich. Johnsonburg players are sophomore Robert Bowser and freshmen Gabe Heiberger and Hunter Newman. The athletic bunch all compete in other sports in the fall and winter.
"It's kind of exciting that me and the team are new. It gives us the opportunity to grow and mold together," Breakey said at Thursday's practice. "It's nice to have a fresh start and that they're all athletic because I think we can accomplish a lot in a short time."
The coach, who played three years at Elk County Catholic, looks forward to rebuilding the program.
"We have a good young crew that we can hopefully keep them playing for a while, and maybe we can build Ridgway and Johnsonburg tennis to more than trying to scrounge for six players like we did when we started.”
Breakey admits things won't be easy but looks forward to the challenge.
"I believe it's going to be a bumpy start because everybody's learning. But I think once we get into a groove and truly learn how to play, I think we can be dangerous."
The first match is scheduled for Thursday, March 30, at Elk County Catholic.
2023 Johnsonburg tennis schedule
Thursday, Mar. 30 – at Elk County Catholic
Monday, Apr. 3 – at
Brockway
Tuesday, Apr. 4 – at Bradford
Wednesday, Apr. 5 – at DuBois
Tuesday, Apr. 11 – DuBois Central Catholic
Thursday, Apr. 13 – at Punxsutawney
Thursday, Apr. 20 – at Clearfield
Monday, Apr. 24 – Brockway
Tuesday, Apr. 25 – at St. Marys
Thursday, Apr. 27 – Elk County Catholic
Monday, May 1 – start of D9 team championship.
Tuesday, May 2 – St. Marys
Monday, May 8 – start of D9 singles championship
Monday, May 15 – D9 doubles championship