For the GPS and McCallie tennis teams, it’s too soon to talk about a three-peat. That doesn’t mean the word isn’t being thrown around.
The two-time reigning TSSAA Division II state team champions return strong lineups for a shot at third consecutive team titles in 2008.
But the season hasn’t even started yet. The Blue Tornado and the Bruisers will get their first test March 28 at the Buckhead Rotary in Atlanta, a tournament featuring top teams in Georgia.
“We don’t talk much about state,” said McCallie senior David Henry. “Coach (Eric Voges) doesn’t mention it until after we’ve won it.”
For both GPS and McCallie, depth — a strength for each team the past two years — will help the squads fill voids by last year’s seniors. The Blue Tornado graduated Tariq Ismail, who walked on at the University of Arkansas, and Alex Harris, now playing at Sewanee. The Bruisers graduated four-year starters Grace Robinette, now playing at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and Courtney Pare, who plays club tennis at Georgia Tech.
“We lost two of our top players, our co-captains who had a big role on the team,” said GPS junior Ann Elizabeth Holley. “There’s still pressure, maybe a little more from last year, but we’re prepared. Our top eight are so closely matched.”
Henry has committed to play for the University of Memphis, a team that includes former Blue Tornado standout Charlie Ramsay. The Blue Tornado are also led by seniors Wes Nelson and J.P. McLemore. This year’s newcomers include Soddy-Daisy transfers William Disterdick, a 2007 Class AAA doubles finalist, and Nathan Winters.
And with so many options, McCallie doesn’t have a set lineup yet.
“We had five or six guys who are about even, and it’s the same this year. That kind of depth should help us,” Voges said. “They’re all (USTA junior) tournament players with a lot of experience, and they help push each other.”
The Bruisers’ lineup is topped by two-time singles state champion Claire Bartlett, who has signed to play at the University of Virginia and is the daughter of coach Sue Bartlett. Claire Bartlett spent the winter recovering from minor surgery but is back in action this spring. Also returning for the Bruisers are Holley, Sarah Evans, Cady Jones and Liz Russell.
GPS beat rival Baylor in the 2007 state championship match 4-0 and edged Knoxville Webb for the 2006 title. McCallie defeated Knoxville Webb 4-1 for the state title last year and beat Baylor for the state crown in 2006.
But it’s too soon to think about ending this season in Murfreesboro before it’s officially begun.
“We have a good schedule with some tough matches this season,” Sue Bartlett said. “We’re not thinking too much in the future. We’re just taking it one week at a time and working to try to improve.”
