Indians bring a dozen new players into 2023 season

BY KENNY VARNER Sports correspondent

MIFFLINTOWN — It was a historic year for the Juniata tennis team last year as they came out and took both the District 6 singles championship and runner up.

The Juniata doubles tennis team followed in their singles teammates footsteps in the District 6 Class AA tennis championships.

The doubles team of Emmitt Hibbs and Xane Whitesel won their two matches as did the Indians duo of Adam French and Gavin Kint.

This season will bring a lot of new faces to the court for veteran coach Sheri Landis.

Landis will be assisted this season by Tristan Amey.

Lost to graduation will be a who’s who of starters from last year. They were; Max Lauver, Adam French,

Gavin Kint, Emmett Hobbs and Ethan Becker.

The lone returning letter winner will be Xane Whitesel.

Whitesel returns from playing in last year’s D6 doubles championship. He’ll be looked on for leadership as the season opens.

Juniata prides itself with younger, hungry talents who are anxious to display their talents.

“Christopher Martin, Connor Peterson, Darin Kint, Ben Losch, and Owen Hubley have been patiently waiting for those seniors to graduate and are anxious to step into starting roles,” said Landis.

“William Hazard, and Arthur Hazard are also in the running for those starting spots. We actually have 12 new players this year, so I’m excited to see how they progress.”

Despite the losses Landis likes the positive energy her team has given

Juniata tennis schedule

March 27 vs Danville 4 p.m.

March 28 at Harrisburg Academy 4 p.m.

April 3 at James Buchanan 4 p.m.

April 4 at Tussey Mountain her early on.

“It’s a rebuilding year. The team is positive and working to improve. Xane Whitesel has worked very hard in the off season,” said Landis. “I know he’s ready for competition. I love that. His enthusiasm for tennis is contagious throughout the team.”

Age may be one of the weak spots in the Indians game this season with the loss of so many from last year’s squad.

“We are inexperienced as a team,” said Landis. “They are working hard but have very little time to practice before our first match.”

The goals are simple…

“Our goal is always to win matches. Practice goals are to improve our tennis skills in every area of the game, so we can see our improvement as the season progresses,” said

Landis.

Some teams Landis sees as being tough competition are Hollidaysburg, and Lewisburg.

Juniata tennis

Assistant: Tristan Amey 2022 Record: 15-2

League: Tri-Valley League

April 6 at Tyrone 3:30 p.m.

April 10 vs Mifflinburg

April 11 vs Tussey Mountain 4 p.m.

April 13 vs James Buchanan 4 p.m.

April 17 vs Tyrone 4 p.m.

April 20 at Lewisburg 4 p.m.

May 2 at Danville 4 p.m.