Seasoned Bulldogs primed for big year
<p>Sandpoint senior tennis players, from left to right: Paula Paños, Michele Rockwell, Courtney Windju, Kane Wijngaarden, Talbot Callister, Kevin Kirby and Drew Buckmiller. (Photo by ERIC PLUMMER)</p>
SANDPOINT — Under the stewardship of head coach Kent Anderson, the Sandpoint tennis team emerged as arguably the best in North Idaho last year.
Boasting two players who have already signed to play in college, a host of returning varsity players and a lineup with no weaknesses, Anderson believes the 2012 team could be set the bar even higher.
“This is the best team I’ve coached in Idaho,” says Anderson, who thinks his team can beat all four 5A IEL teams. “They didn’t beat us last year, and we’re better this year.”
Leading the way will be seniors Kevin Kirby, who won three matches at state last year, and Kane Wijngaarden, who is pushing Kirby for the No. 1 spot.
Kirby has signed to play singles at Whitworth next year, and Wijngaarden at Riverside Community College in Southern California. The pair give the Bulldogs a potent one-two punch atop the lineup.
“Kevin has perfect technique that gets him through a lot of difficult situations, and he’s really improved his volleys,” describes Anderson, also lauding Wijngaarden’s athleticism. “Kane has amazing speed. This year he’s thrown in anticipation, and gets to everything.”
Senior Talbot Callister transferred from Walla Walla, and is the Bulldogs’ hardest hitter, providing another strong option at either singles or doubles.
Brothers Drew and Micah Buckmiller will be looking to make their third straight trip to state at No. 1 boys doubles, while Alex Hon, Carson Nygren and Nathan Schwartz round out a solid boys team.
Leading the girls team will be senior Michele Rockwell, who will start the season at No. 1 singles, and sophomore Kennedy Search, who is close behind. Both players are technically sound and consistent, and hope to vie district titles. Senior Paula Paños will start the season at No. 3 singles.
Courtney Windju and Megan Rockwell will team up at No. 1 doubles, two of a handful of two and three sport athletes on the team.
“We’re starting to get some athletes on the team,” says Anderson. “It makes coaching really easy.”
Nicolette Jessen has been to state twice in doubles, and could end up teaming with Schwartz for a strong mixed doubles team. Bailey Scrimsher, Katy Mares and Emily Chatburn round out the girls doubles players.
The Bulldogs open the season today in Moscow, weather permitting.