Tigers begin play at state meet today in Rapid City

HURON — The Huron boys’ tennis team has made tremendous strides since the start of the season. Coach Tim Hedblom is looking for that improvement to reap some big dividends for the Tigers as they close the season at the State Tennis Meet, which begins today at Sioux Park and Parkview Courts in Rapid City.
“I expect the boys to go out and compete. It is time to put it all together,” Hedblom said. “We have a lot of very winnable matches.”
Leading the Tigers into the three-day event will be juniors Brenden Schlader, Reese Uecker and Tyrese Theus, along with senior Kevin Baltzer. They will be joined by freshmen Roger Puterbaugh, Eh Kalu and Moo Sher Say.
“Although we have played better as the season has gone on, we are still very inexperienced,” Hedblom said. “This will definitely be a new experience for most of the team, but it will be good for the boys to experience everything.”

Kalu at No. 6 singles will most likely be the highest seeded player entering the state meet for Huron.
Although the rest of the team won’t be seeded as high, Hedblom is looking for some favorable outcomes.
“I think we have some good matchups, so if we play the way we are capable, we can do well,” he said.
Play will begin at 8 a.m. All three days of the event. The semifinals and finals will be played Saturday, along with all playing matches.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how the boys finish out the season,” Hedblom said. “They are a great group to work with.”

PHOTOS BY MIKE CARROLL/PLAINSMAN
Huron’s Reese Uecker plays a shot during a No. 1 doubles match on May 3 at Huron Courts.

Next, Huron’s Brenden Schlader plays a volley at the net during a No. 1 doubles match on May 8 at Huron Courts.