Written by: Bella Bungcayao

The boys tennis team is, and has been, a spotlight for Jeff High athletics, given their winning record and skilled players to come through the program recently.

Last season, the team placed as regional championships and won semi-state, as well as winning 12 out of 16 matches. They placed 6th at the John Shirley Invite, 3rd at Jasper Invite, and 2nd at JHS Classic.

“This team has great leadership and work ethic,” says coach Curt Roehm. “I can depend on them to put in all their effort during practice and a match.”

This is Roehm’s second season being the head coach for the tennis team, and was an assistant for previous head coach Mark Reilly two years back.

“I predict that this season will be very competitive for us, and we need to take it one match at a time. I do see us going on to Sectional and maybe even winning them,” Roehm says.

All of the players also have optimistic attitudes for the 2017 season, none more than senior Keith Asplund.

“The goal is to always improve from the previous season, which would mean a trip to state. We have a lot of potential as a team,” Asplund said.

Coach Roehm also sees potential with Asplund as a player to look out for.

“Keith is a tough kid both on the field and the classroom and fights hard. I see him going really far this season with the sport and leadership,” says Roehm.

Keith is not only a star on the court, but a leader in the school. Asplund is a co-president of student council and an all-around involved student.

“I love that the players on the team are all such good friends. We are a tight knit group of kids, so we always support each other,” Asplund says, commenting on the strength of the team.

Overall, the hope for the upcoming tennis season is extremely high and optimistic amongst the entire team. There is strong faith that the record will only grow higher than the level it’s already at.