The boys tennis team, better known as the Fighting Beagles, started their regular season on April 10 with a victory against OCC rival Westerville Central. Coached by Dan Morrison, the team is hoping to improve after a disappointing last season. The tennis team draws players for many different reasons, although many praise it for being enjoyable.
“It has the right mix of competitiveness and enjoyment. I’ve been playing for about 2-3 years,” said sophomore Robert Homan, who plays first singles on Varsity.
Homan lettered last year, and will do the same this year. With team captains Andy Arter and Casey Fittro leading the team, there are high expectations for the season.
“We want to do well in the OCC and have each player improve,” said senior Aaron Hecker.
According to Hecker, he enjoys that tennis is laid back and fun to play. Hecker has played tennis for three years at Hayes, and playes doubles. Hecker believes the team has four returning letter winners, which gives the team the advantage of experience.
After finishing 0-5 last year in the OCC, and 4-12 overall, the team has already shattered their previous OCC record by defeating Westerville Central. According to Morrison, this was the first time in his 30 years of coaching the team that the team has failed to win a single OCC match.
The team is led by a strong set of singles players, with Homan playing first, followed by Arter at second and Fittro taking third. All three defeated their competitors at Westerville, propelling the team to victory. Homan has hopes to continue to improve over his high school career, and possibly make it to Districts or States his senior year.
Although the Beagles have suffered losses to Mount Vernon and Village Academy so far this season, things are definitely looking up for the boys. With an early victory in the OCC, strong singles players, a highly experienced coach and improvement already evident, the team is optimistic about the rest of the season. Come out and watch the Beagles take on OCC rival Marysville at home on May 1!