By Cort Reynolds
The Ada High School tennis program holds promise this spring with key returning singles talent and several newcomers on the 2022 roster, guided by a unique co-coaching duo.
Team photo: L-R front row: Brendan Kah, Amelia Alexander, Brendan Jameson, Grant Hunnaman. Middle: Isaac Williams, Julia Kamatali, Jillian Allison, Nathan
Williams, Dexter Woods III. Back: Riley Ferguson, Xander Wells, Abid Khan, Geddes Klingler.
Not pictured: New head coach Katie Curry.
Both young new coaches gained playing experience at Ohio Northern University. Katie Curry, a current veteran player for the ONU women's net squad, and co-coach Tyler Christoff take over the reins of the program from last year's head coach, Dexter Woods.
The Ada program will be under the tutelage of their fourth head coaching change in the past five years.
The eighth edition of the Bulldog varsity spring tennis squad hopes to continue the program's success after Ada came on strong late to post an 8-7 record in 2021.
The Bulldog netters won a program-best 14 matches in 2019, and were poised for another big season in 2020 before the campaign was canceled by Covid-19.
Thirteen players comprise this spring's roster, including four letter winners and six returnees.
"Our season goal is to take it day by day, with the motto of 'brick by brick'," said Christoff, who is an ONU student. "We are looking to get better and not look ahead too far. We want to get better as individuals and as a team."
Christoff played a season for the ONU men's tennis team after competing for Elida under coach Michael Sarno. Curry is a sixth-year ONU pharmacy student.
"I look to my old high school coach for a lot of guidance and help," said Christoff.
The Ada tennis squad finished a strong second at the five-team 2021 Northern Buckeye Tennis League tournament, which was won by host Bryan High School.
Senior Dexter Woods III, a 6-foot-2 southpaw, played mostly doubles as a freshman (13-12) but ascended to the number two singles spot last season, where he posted a 15-2 record.
At the 2021 league championship tournament, Woods lived up to his top seeding and won the number two singles flight crown.
Woods will pace the squad this season at first singles. The heady senior has a good reach and fine volleying instincts/skills at the net, as well as a solid serve.
"Dexter learns every day, and is willing to help other players," said Christoff. "I look for him to be a leader. The only expectation I have for him is to be his own player."
Junior returnee Brendan Jameson moves up to handle the second singles spot, while junior letter winner Amelia Alexander will play third singles.
Jameson played well at third singles last spring, while Alexander showed promise while playing mostly first doubles in 2021. Jameson took second at the league tourney in the third singles bracket.
The rangy and athletic Jameson covers a lot of court and has good endurance. He does a good job of keeping the ball in play.
"Both players have a really high drive to get better," said Christoff. "We look for Brendan to be a leader, to work hard. Amelia is probably one of the hardest workers on the team. She is willing to put in the hours to get better."
Alexander possesses good groundstrokes and is a steady, smart player.
The improving junior Geddes Klingler is back after gaining valuable experience as a sophomore at doubles. "I know Geddes is excited to play first doubles, and he is a really hard worker," Christoff noted.
The other first doubles player expected to team with Klingler will be senior newcomer Isaac Williams.
"He ran track and is off to a running start," said Christoff. "He is a fast learner and has good speed and mobility around the court. He has made a lot of growth in a short time."
Three newcomers will vie to comprise the second doubles tandem spots.
"The second doubles team is expected to come from freshman Nate Williams and either Riley Ferguson or Julia Kamatali," said Christoff.
Senior newcomer Ferguson and freshman Nate Williams possess good endurance and athletic ability. Ferguson was a track middle distance runner and cross country letterman. Senior Kamatali also has promise and athleticism.
Juniors Abid Khan and Brendan Kah return to the roster, while classmate Xander Wells is a newcomer.
Freshman Jillian Allison and sophomore Grant Hunnaman complete the roster.
"All of the players on the roster can play and are in the mix," said Christoff. "It is exciting to see a group of players grow together. I am excited for the season and am ready to get it started."
Ada won the NBTL title outright in 2018, and shared it with three other schools in 2017.
Bryan High School rolled to the 2021 NBTL conference crown with 23 points, while the Bulldogs edged Wauseon for second place, 11-9. Archbold finished fourth with eight points, and Rossford ended up fifth with four.
The season opens March 26 at the Lima City tournament. The home opener is April 6 vs. Fostoria.
