New players and a new format highlight the 2006 Bradford High
Owls tennis team.

Although half of the team is made up of first-year players, BHS
coach Mark Sherman isn’t worried.

“The younger, new kids out this year show promise and dedication
to the game,” Sherman praised. “I’m very pleased at this point with
our few practices and the way these younger kids have looked.”

Also new this season in PIAA boys tennis, the format changes to
include five singles sets and four doubles sets, where the single
players may also play in doubles action.

In the past, matches consisted of five singles games and two
doubles events, where singles players could not compete in
both.

“I think the new format will help our team out,” explained
Sherman. “As a whole, in the first eight (spots) we are pretty
solid.

“With singles and doubles now being able to play both, I think
we can be more competitive and the District 9 League will play
stronger.

“I know there will be some interesting challenges,” Sherman
concluded. “Mixing and matching the players to make a strong team –
finding the strongest rotation will be the key to this format.”

Leading this year’s team are senior captains Matt Hartburg and
Josh Kinney.

The other seven returning letterwinners include senior Steve
Butler, juniors Alex Woods, Doug Rose, Nate Tingley and Micah Irwin
and sophomores Brandon Graham and Adam Feura.

Rounding out the rest of the roster are senior Greg Kessel,
juniors Jeremiah Stable and Micah Ridley, sophomore Bryan Hannon
and freshmen Shawn Disney, Andy Givan, Zach Kinney, Pat Morrisroe
and Nick Reinhardt.

One obstacle these players have faced already this season has
been the traditionally inclement spring weather.

“The weather hasn’t been very cooperative,” Sherman lamented.
“But the last few days we’ve been outside which is good for the
kids. Serving is our main focus right now.”

The 2005 Owls finished at 14-1, beating DuBois Central for the
District 9 title – Sherman’s third crown at the helm.

“Last year’s team was probably one of the best teams I’ve ever
coached,” Sherman noted. “We have some pretty big shoes to fill in
Ben (Wentworth), Dan (Disney) and Carlos (Gonzalez), but we were a
veteran team.”

However, Sherman expressed having an eye for the fourth.

“Our biggest expectation this year is to defend our district
crown,” Sherman said. “With the make up of this team, I think we
have a good shot.

“This year we’re a more athletic team,” Sherman continued. “From
top to bottom, there’s an even level of talent, which looks
promising for the season.”

The Owls open the campaign with a match at Elk County Catholic
on Thursday.