If one were to review the athletic programs at MUS, the dominance of one sport would definitely stand out.
For a decade, the Owls have dominated the tennis competition at the state level and have become the team to beat coming into every season under Coach Bill Taylor. As the last of winter sports competition has now ended, the tennis Owls are once again ready to retain their dominance.
Last year the Owls lost seven seniors that led the squad to the 2005 state title. Three of these seniors were in the top six singles spots, and two were the three-time reigning state-champion doubles team. Although significant talent was lost in those seven, the Owls are filling those leadership spots with seniors Andrew Alexander, Zach Glover, Bryce Hendry, Spencer Heflin, Joe Hooker, and Mike Montesi.
The starting spots on the tennis team are determined by a challenge system, and the overall decision goes to the coaches. Right now, the only spots that seem locked up are the top two singles positions which will go to junior William Lang and Heflin, who recently signed to play college tennis with University of Memphis. Other players capable of making regular singles appearances are junior Alex Addington, sophomores Watson George and Michael Wills, and freshman Will Carter, who transferred to MUS this year from ECS.
This season the Owls also have new faces that should get some valuable experience in their first varsity experiences. Including Carter, other freshmen who have bright futures include Grant Hopkins, Jackson Knight, and Walt Wepfer.
MUS tennis teams have won seven of the last eight state championships, and this year’s team is looking to attain what they call the “pseudo-octapeat.” They should face quality foes at the state level such as Baylor, MBA, and McCallie.
“The goal is always to win state, and this year we can do it if our top guys stay healthy and play well,” says an optimistic Coach Taylor.
The Owls’ first match is March 20 against Tipton Rosemark.