News Summary

As the 2025 high school boys tennis season approaches, the Ottawa Pirates and Streator Bulldogs are preparing for action. The Pirates aim to improve upon last year’s struggles, while the Bulldogs seek a comeback after a challenging season. Both teams feature a mix of returning talent and new players, promising an exciting year ahead filled with high hopes for growth and competitive matches.

Ottawa Pirates and Streator Bulldogs Ready for Exciting 2025 High School Boys Tennis Season

As spring rolls in, the buzz around high school tennis is palpable here in Ottawa. The Ottawa Pirates are gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling 2025 boys tennis season. Coach Matt Gross, a seasoned veteran entering his impressive 25th season, is keen to turn things around after last year’s challenging campaign.

Last Season in Review

Last year, the Pirates finished with an overall record of 8-16 and a 2-3 mark in the Interstate 8 conference. A significant part of their struggle stemmed from a spate of injuries that sidelined key players, leaving the team to work hard in a difficult environment. Despite the challenges, Evan Krafft and Alan Sifuentes showed stellar determination, clinching a third-place finish at sectionals, which secured their ticket to the coveted IHSA State Tournament.

Meet the Pirates’ Stars

This season, Ottawa’s hopes are anchored by a talented group of returning players. The squad includes juniors like Evan Krafft, Ayden Sexton, and Kaden Araujo, alongside seniors Noah Gross, Collin Olszewski, Landon Sawin, Caden Walter, and Tucker Ditchfield. Coach Gross sees great potential in the pair of Krafft and Gross, eyeing them as a formidable No. 1 doubles tandem.

New talent will also spark excitement on the team, with remarkable sophomores Ian Fulkerson and Gabe Zeglis stepping onto the scene. As Gross notes, while the team may be smaller in number, the depth and skill level could very well make them a strong contender this year.

Upcoming Challenges and Expectations

The Pirates’ season opener kicks off this weekend at the Troy Triad Invitational. Following this event, they’re all set to compete next weekend at the Metamora Invitational. Fans should mark their calendars for April 2, when Ottawa will host their much-anticipated home opener against Pontiac. Coach Gross expresses optimism for the season ahead, hoping for fewer injuries and a competitive showing in the conference.

Streator Bulldogs Stepping onto the Court

Streator Bulldogs are eager to hit the courts as well. Coached by Rob Beck, who is entering his 12th season, the Bulldogs are hoping for a solid comeback after finishing last season with a dual record of 3-10.

Bulldogs’ Key Players

Like their Ottawa counterparts, the Bulldogs have a mix of experienced players and fresh talent. Top returnees include seniors Ryan Beck, Brad Minick, Clayton Lehman, Tyler Barbee, and Devin Thompson. Ryan Beck and Minick are expected to continue their No. 1 singles duties from last season, where Beck achieved an impressive 6-2 record and Minick brought home an 8-12 mark.

On the doubles front, Minick and Lehman are anticipated to team up with Thompson to create a competitive No. 1 doubles pairing. New talent is also on the roster, with promising freshmen Lucas Gutierrez, Jacob Wang, and Quinn Baron joining the Bulldogs this season.

Looking Ahead

Streator is set to kick off their season against La Salle-Peru on March 31, with their home opener shortly after on April 3 against Rochelle. After a challenging last year, both teams—Ottawa Pirates and Streator Bulldogs—are ready to face the new season head-on, with high hopes for competitive play and a lot of excitement ahead.

The Road Ahead

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