GREENFIELD — Coming off a Hancock County title for the first time since 2005 (the Cougars shared the championship with Mt. Vernon), and having five of seven varsity starters returning, Greenfield-Central tennis coach Michael Turpin has a nice combination of success and experience.
“When you go into a season you always have high expectations, but with only one guy graduating, we’re bringing some experience with those expectations,” Turpin said.
Matthew Hyre, who went 18-0 at No. 3 singles is the only graduate from last year’s team.
The teams other two singles players, seniors C.J. Michalek and Chris Long, were both All-District 4 and All-Hoosier Heritage Conference selections. Long was the county champion at No. 2 singles.
The Cougars tied the Marauders for second in the HHC, too, with a 5-2 record.
Long and Michalek both have experience of playing at the No. 1 spot and Turpin wasn’t sure earlier this week who would be at that spot in the season opener at Lawrence Central on Thursday.
Lucas Sitzman, a junior, and Caden Robertson, another senior, played together during the county tournament and placed second at No. 1 doubles. Sitzman and sophomore Alex Michalek, who also played doubles last year, will take two of the four doubles spots, but may not be playing together.
Robertson could be the third singles player, or part of a doubles combination.
Turpin said there are four players competing for the final two varsity spots. Newcomer Mateo Molanphy, a junior, frosh Nathan Roberts, sophomore Ethan Ortwein and senior Thomas Ryba are the top candidate for the final two positions.
“I have a lot of great leaders this year,” Turpin added. “You can’t say enough about that. I have guys that know the routine. They knew what they did to help themselves out last year, but also know we still weren’t quite where we wanted to be. They’re coming out with even more energy this year trying to have even more success than, what I would call, one of our best seasons.”
The Cougars reached the sectional championship game last season.
“It’s been a great group of guys (this preseason) with pretty good work ethic,” Turpin said. “I think all of their hard work will translate into our season. It should be a fun year.”
The Cougars first conference match is Aug. 22, at home, against New Castle, one day before traveling for another key HHC matchup against rival New Palestine. The county tournament is hosted by New Pal on Sept. 9.
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2023 Greenfield-Central Boys Tennis Schedule
Date;Opponent;Time
Aug. 17;at Lawrence Central;5:30 p.m.
Aug. 19;at Franklin Invitational;10 a.m.
Aug. 21;vs. Rushville;5:30 p.m.
Aug. 22;vs. New Castle;5:30 p.m.
Aug. 23;at New Palestine;5:30 p.m.
Aug. 29;vs. Delta;5:30 p.m.
Aug. 31;vs. Morristown;5:30 p.m.
Sept. 5;at Mt. Vernon;5:30 p.m.
Sept. 7;at Knightstown;5:30 p.m.
Sept. 9;at County (New Palestine);9 a.m.
Sept. 11;at Shelbyville;5:30 p.m.
Sept. 13;at Pendleton Heights;5:30 p.m.
Sept. 14;vs. Alexandria;5 p.m.
Sept. 18;vs. Whiteland;5:30 p.m.
Sept. 19;at Greenwood;5:30 p.m.
Sept. 20;vs. Yorktown;5:15 p.m.
Sept. 23;at Warren Central;9 a.m.
