Illiana boys tennis team caps off historic season with trip to State

by Maddie Holesinger, Illiana journalism student

LANSING, Ill. (May 2018) – The Illiana boys tennis season—after smashing successes and a nearly perfect record—has finally come to an end. The team was undefeated until its conference meet. The boys carried the second best record going into the conference tournament, yet ended up placing fourth out of nine.

The team mostly credits it success to the new coach, Michael Eberly, whose son, Jason, was their best player last year before he graduated. The focus at practices shifted to looking at the minute details of the game, which in turn change the way the game is played.

“Our coach played college tennis, so he is more focused on technique, which is a big difference [from last season],” said junior Parish Towns. “We have all improved this season, and we are more confident this year.”

At Sectionals, Illiana placed first. The State competition was May 22, and Seth Bouwer, Lawton Bouwer, Kade Bouwer, Andrew Smits, Andrew Feikema, and Matthew Reitveld competed.

Overall, the boys had great team chemistry, which contributed to their successful season. The highlight of their season, unanimously, was beating Timothy Christian High School. It was the first win for Illiana against them in 12 years, and the excitement after that match was palpable.

“When it comes to tennis, I like [Timothy Christian] less than Chicago Christian,” said junior Seth Bouwer.