Over the past five years, the Connellsville boys tennis team has owned Section 5-AAA, having won the section title four out of the last five seasons, including three section championships in a row heading into 2002.
And despite the loss of five key members from last year's team due to graduation, 16-year head coach Don Campbell is optimistic about his team's chances for continued success.
"We lost five very good players from last year's squad," Campbell said. "But we also had a number of talented players who were waiting in the wings and looking forward for their opportunity to show what they can do. We feel that we can repeat as section champs and we're working hard to make it happen. Unless I miss my guess, this is a very competitive group."
Campbell's group is talented, and it also features a lot of depth. The program boasts a roster of 28 players, which will allow Connellsville to field its first junior varsity team.
Gauging all the abilities of the players isn't an easy task. But Campbell has had Mother Nature on his side during the early part of the season.
"The weather has been good and we've been able to do a lot of work outside," Campbell said. "We have even been able to get two scrimmages under our belt."
And judging by what he has seen so far, Campbell has been able to establish a starting lineup.
Look for senior Ryan Hornick to play at first singles while sophomore Gene Cunningham holds down the second singles position. At third singles, Josh Martin has the inside track.
At doubles, senior Steve Lucas and junior Matt Ratai appear to be the first duo while juniors Stephen Haines and Randy Richter will follow at second doubles.
But even though Campbell has a starting lineup in place, he isn't convinced that it will stay that way throughout the season.
"This is one of the most competitive squads that we have had in a number of years," Campbell said. "I would be very surprised if this lineup doesn't change a few times during the season."
Campbell noted that players such as seniors Anthony Levandusky and Eric Jensen and juniors Joe Teets and Kyle Lilley could play themselves into a starting spot.
In addition, sophomores David Shultz and Ryan Alberts as well as freshmen Wade Schnorr and Troy Smith are also listed on the varsity roster and could see action somewhere along the line.
The Falcons will again be competing against section foes Hempfield, Trinity, Ringgold, Canon-McMillan, McKeesport and West Mifflin. The challenge of staying on top of the heap won't be easy, but Campbell believes his team will be ready.
"Hempfield will be tough and Trinity will probably be pretty good," Campbell said. "But I think we will be able to challenge these people. We're usually stronger at the bottom than we are at the top. Most teams aren't weighted like we are."
And Campbell is hoping that being strong up and down the lineup equals another big season for the Falcons.
"I think that we can win the section," Campbell said. "Beyond that, it will be tough. Once we get in the playoffs, it all depends on the draw."
Needless to say, Campbell is enthused about the prospects of this group of Falcons in the upcoming season.
"I'm looking forward to it," Campbell said. "We have a competitive group and this is a good working bunch."
The Falcons are scheduled to take the court on Monday at home against McKeesport.
