Freshman Gage Gohl getting fired up for the upcoming season.
Photo taken by Johana Brower.
The LHS boys tennis season started March 13, with all eight of the courts covered in snow and water. The boys set to work shoveling the courts so they could begin playing challenge matches to set the lineup.
LHS has been the team to beat in recent years, as they have won five state titles from 2014-2018, their second five-peat in team history (one from 1995-1999 as well). With yet another strong lineup, the guys are expected to win yet again, completing the longest streak of boys tennis State championships in history. In the old gym, the boys tennis banner does not even have enough space to put all the years they have won. Last year the boys won with Rapid City Stevens around 100 points behind, with the number one ranked Patriot, Sam Dobbs going for his second straight title at number one.
“We only lost one member in the top six to graduate and got lots of middle schoolers who are filling the empty spots. Our team looks just as strong, if not stronger than the year before,” said Preston Koski, a sophomore member of the tennis team.
As the years go on, LHS proves to be a powerhouse with boys and girls tennis winning championship after championship. Even as players cycle through and leave as LHS graduates, up and comers on the team are always striving to fill the spots fast. Even though LHS is the team to beat, Rapid City Stevens and OGHS are formidable opponents and often the runner-ups at State.
“OG is probably our toughest competition. They played well against us last year and retained all of their top players. We are looking forward to playing them again. Go Pats!” said Koski.
This year the State Tournament is in Sioux Falls from May 16-18th and the LHS boys tennis team would love some support from their fellow Crazies for all their hard work throughout the year.