SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW: Clark Fork tennis hopes newcomers can become first-time state qualifiers

Last season: N/A

Head coach: Jeff Emmer, 13th season

Athletes to watch: Charlie Beaman, so.; Aurora Lane, so.; Chase Sanroman, sr; Eloise Shelton, sr.

With one returner and seven newcomers, the Wampus Cats have their work cut out for them. Head coach Jeff Emmer said despite that, he thinks this year’s team is athletic and that he wouldn’t be surprised to see some first-time state qualifiers.

Sophomore Charlie Beaman is the only returner for Clark Fork. Beaman competed with Jamie Herrick, who is out this year due to injury, in mixed doubles at the 3A state tournament. Aurora Lane, also a sophomore, is the only other Wampus Cat with some prior experience.

Emmer said the team has been practicing at the Clark Fork Filling station, which he said works out perfectly since early on this season it has all been about programming his players’ strokes.

“This is a very athletic group,” Emmer said. “We’re pretty inexperienced, but things are coming along really well. I’m hoping to get out on a real court soon and get them going.”

Emmer said seniors Eloise Shelton and Chase Sanroman are two players to watch out for this season. 

“I really wish I had these two in previous years,” Emmer said. “They are great leaders and have great attitudes and that helps set the tone for the others.”

One thing all of the Wampus Cats have been working on is ball movement, which Emmer said has been easier than usual to teach due to his players' natural athleticism. He also mentioned the chemistry has been good between the majority of his players due to the fact they have already competed in a variety of other sports with each other in the past.

Clark Fork competes in a 6-team league with Coeur d’Alene Charter, Grangeville, Orofino, Clearwater Valley, and Culdesac. Emmer said that in addition to the all-league meets, where all the teams meet in Lewiston to play each other, that the team is going to schedule some more dual meets with larger schools’ junior varsity teams as the season progresses.

“I’m excited for the season and for how fast these kids are coming along,” Emmer said. “It’s unusual for players to make it to state in their first year playing, but I think we might get some this year.”

Clark Fork Tennis Schedule

4/8 – @ Post Falls (JV), 3 p.m.

4/11 – @ CDA Charter, 3 p.m.

4/13 – @ Lewiston, All-League, 9 a.m.

4/26-27 @ Inland Empire Tournament (Spokane)

5/1 – @ CDA Charter, 3 p.m.

5/4 – @ Lewiston, All-League, 9 a.m.

5/10-11 – District Tournament @ CDA/Lake City

5/17-18 – State Tournament @ Ridgeview HS