CHARLOTTESVILLE – Eastern Hancock returns the majority of its boys varsity tennis team from one of the most successful seasons in school history, though most of those returnees will be in different spots in the lineup.
A year ago, the Royals went 12-2, won the Mid-Eastern Conference tournament for the third time in four years, and added a victory in the Eastern Hancock Invitational.
Far and away the smallest school in Hancock County, Eastern Hancock finished third of four schools, placing ahead of New Palestine, in the Hancock County Tournament.
The No. 1 doubles team of brothers Bryce Wennen and Myles Wennen were county, conference and sectional champions. They went 21-2 and were named to the All-District 4 team.
“You could pretty much lock them in for a win. That was nice to have,” Eastern Hancock head coach Chris Zeilinga said.
No. 1 singles player Zeke Dixon went 18-3 with his only losses coming to county standouts Adam Koon of Mt. Vernon and Moses Haynes of New Palestine. He was an all-district selection, too.
Dixon, one-half of the Wennen team, and Peyton Stephens, who was part of the conference champion No. 2 doubles team, have graduated, giving a chance for some of last year’s players, and newcomers, to move up the ranks.
“We’ve got a couple of big shoes to fill,” Zeilinga said.
Four of the seven members of last year’s varsity lineup are back. They’ll just be in different positions.
Myles Wennen, a junior, is battling for the No. 1 singles spot along with freshman Luke Zeilinga, son of the head coach, and sophomore Luke Fletcher (15-6), who was an MEC champion at No. 2 singles. Wennen has been battling an injury lately and Zeilinga currently has the upper hand on Fletcher.
Luke Schilling (17-4) was the conference champ a year ago at No. 3 singles. He is moving to No. 1 doubles to play with Bo Dixon (17-4), partners with Stephens last season.
Coach Zeilinga said he’s still looking for the right combination at No. 2 doubles. Sophomore Josiah Swauger, who played JV No. 1 singles last year, seniors Seth Richey and Griffin Lawrence and freshman Garrett Bridges are the top candidates for that final doubles position. Sophomore Jalen Helderbrand is another player that has shown improvement and could be in the mix for spot.
“I don’t think we’ll be as strong as what we were last year at the start of the season, but I think we have a chance to be better eventually,” Chris Zeilinga said.
Interest in tennis at Eastern Hancock continues to grow. The Royals have 17 players, four more than last year, in the program, including seven freshmen.
“I am really excited about our future,” coach Zeilinga said.
The Royals open play Monday, on the road, at Randolph Southern.
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2023 Eastern Hancock Boys Tennis Schedule
Date;Opponent;Time
Aug. 14;at Randolph Southern;5 p.m.
Aug.17;vs. Rushville;5 p.m.
Aug. 18;vs. Southwestern;5 p.m.
Aug. 26;MEC (Eastern Hancock);9 a.m.
Aug. 28;at New Palestine;5 p.m.
Aug. 29;at Hagerstown;5 p.m.
Aug. 30;vs. Lapel;5 p.m.
Aug. 31;vs. Centerville;5 p.m.
Sept. 7;vs. Waldron;5 p.m.
Sept. 9;County (New Palestine);9 a.m.
Sept. 11;at Frankton;5 p.m.
Sept. 12;vs. Heritage Christian;5 p.m.
Sept. 13;at Blue River Valley;5 p.m.
Sept. 14;vs. Morristown;5 p.m.
Sept. 19;at Tri;5 p.m.
Sept. 20;at Anderson;5 p.m.
Sept. 21;at Knightstown;5 p.m.
Sept; 23;EH Invitational;9 a.m.
Sept. 26;at Pendleton Heights;5 p.m.
