The tennis season has officially started for the Rolla Bulldogs with the first day of tryouts starting on Feb. 27. They are looking to make this season one of the best yet.

                “I think we have a lot of good players and we will have a very solid varsity team that will make a good run in playoffs,” Junior Sven Olberg said.

                Hard training in the season and the offseason is key to having success in any activity and tennis is certainly no exception

                “This summer and fall I was always at the tennis courts working on my form and practicing with my teammates and anyone else who would play. Playing in the offseason is just as important, or even more important, than practicing during the season. It takes a lot of repetitions to get proper form on your serve, forehand, and backhand,” Junior Michael Janke said.

                All of the dedication and extra practice is sure to pay off when the season officially starts March 19, when they play Willow Springs.

                Their hard work during practice is also a key element in their success.

                “During tryouts we do a lot of running to improve our fitness for the long tiring matches later in the season. It also shows newcomers how hard we work and that they will have to work hard every day,” Olberg said.

                “During practices everyone plays with and against each other to see who would make the best possible match for our doubles games and also show who deserves to have the number one spot,” Janke said.

                “There are a lot of good players on our team which will be fighting for the top spots. The most likely candidates are Nick Pfeifer, Michael Janke, Nathan Graham, and also some younger players could make a splash in the ranking,” Olberg said.

                “Nick Pfeifer is a great player and a shoe-in for the number one spot because he was good enough to be number one last year,” Janke said.

                Above all, team unity is a vital part to making the season successful and as low stress as possible.

                “The most important thing about are team is the team friendship,” Olberg said.

“I think that we have close friendships and it will help make this season a great one and also one that I will remember forever!” Janke said.