Wampus Cats set sight on state

CLARK FORK - After losing a 10-8 third set tie-breaker to the eventual state doubles champions last year at the 3A state tennis tournament, hunger will not be an issue as Wampus Cat seniors Thomas McMahon and Mike Martin set about on their quest for a state title in 2008.

The doubles team attended a four day tennis camp in Sandpoint last summer, and both return as much stronger players than last year, when they felt they should have won it all.

“Both are athletic, work well together and are very good at the net, which is essential in doubles,” says head coach Mary Jo Lambert, who likes their chances of a state title. “They've come back this year at another level.”

For Martin, who was the North Star League MVP in both football and basketball, a state title would put the finishing touches on an exceptional year for a high school athlete.

Jacob Barker and German exchange student Tuyen Hoang round out a small boys team.

Conversely, the girls team has more depth and talent than any team Lambert can remember. Every girl who played last year returned, and despite losing former state champion Rayna Allen, Lambert doesn't see a drop off.

Leading the team will be sophomores Shaina Gustafson and Chelsea Macumber. Macumber made big strides last season, and has the athleticism to blossom as she continues to learn the game. Lambert sees a similar athlete in Gustafson, who also plays soccer and basketball, and has finally dedicated herself to tennis.

“She is going to be very good,” says Lambert of Gustafson. “She's very much into it. She's made a commitment to tennis and it shows.”

Amy Gannon also attended the Sandpoint summer tennis camp and has improved much from last season. She teams with Brittany Yates, Kandace Daniels, Hanna Hurt, Olivia Reed and Chelsea Effinger to round out the girls team.

“They all have a desire to make it to state,” says Lambert, who takes sole reigns over the program after sharing head coaching duties with Lisa Allen the last two years.

The Cats play at Coeur d'Alene Charter today in their season opener.