Mount Vernon News

MOUNT VERNON — While many will break for the nearest diamond when it comes to spring sports, others are heading out to the hard court for the new tennis season.

This year looks to be one of the brightest in recent memory for the Mount Vernon High School boys tennis squad. The Yellow Jackets’ returning experience will look to balance out new players as they battle their way through the ever difficult Ohio Capital Conference.

The team will first have to replace some of the players from last year’s squad. Last year’s squad graduated three seniors — James Beckett, Russell Melick and Brendan Brody — who carried the load in both singles and doubles action throughout the season.

Leading the way will be three players who saw action last season in Austin Kasserman, Chris Jaymes and Russell Ramser. Last year, Kasserman and Jaymes made it to district competition. The three players will be handling all of the singles action this season.

“This could be the most talented singles trio that I’ve seen at Mount Vernon,” said head coach Jeff Jarosz. “They will definitely be carrying the team, and many of our wins this year will be because of their play.”

Joining them in varsity action will be junior Cory Street, and sophomores John Fleming, Max Whitney and Aaron Lynn. They will be the four players handling the majority of the doubles action throughout the season.

Also looking to get action will be returners from two seasons ago — Nathan Pressler and Dan Freppin. Jesse Shuman and Alex Shilito will also be competing as well.

“All in all, this could be the strongest team that I’ve seen here,” said Jarosz. “I would really like to see this team go undefeated in nonconference play. I think we have that ability.

“We would certainly like to be competitive in the conference as well. Worthington (Kilbourne) and Dublin Jerome will certainly be up near the top again, so we will look to keep striving to get toward the top.”

There are also some more individual goals that Jarosz has for his squad.

“There are a couple of tournaments that we’re going to, that I think the players have a chance at winning their individual brackets,” said Jarosz. “I would also like to see Chris (Jaymes) and Austin (Kasserman) be able to make a run to the state tournament.”

The Yellow Jackets were able to get some help in getting a step ahead of both the weather, and in their schedule.

“Doug Zipp and Kenyon College allowed us to use their indoor facilities for three days when the weather wasn’t permitting us to practice, so that was definitely a plus for our squad,” said Jarosz.

“We just need to go out, and try and get a strong start to our season. I really think a 6-0 start is not out of our ability. We have a lot of talented players.”

The team will have the chance to go for its first win on Tuesday, as it opens the season against Mansfield Christian.