by Grady Lapczynski
The New Prairie boys tennis team going 14-1 on the year, has won the division for the first time in school history.
Joel Hostetler, the New Prairie tennis coach, is extremely happy for the boys. He believes they have worked very hard.
They beat difficult teams to win the division such as Marian, Bremen, Jimtown, and John Glenn.
Hostetler coached for 13 years and this is the first division title in boys’ tennis since he has been coaching.
“Penn and St. Joe are both very good teams, ranked top 25 in the state,”Hostetler said. “We’ll just take one match at a time and see how we’ll do.”
Hostetler said that the team this year has more depth than last year’s team. They are stronger not only in their three single positions, but in their two doubles positions.
Hostetler also believes that his subs are as strong as any other team out there.
Doubles star and undefeated captain, Levi Britton, said that this is by far the greatest tennis team he’s ever been a part of.
“I get hit with a lot of challenges as I play and I gain wisdom as they come,” Britton said.
He also says that the challenges he’s faced on the court have affected his life off the court and how he leads people and what he does.
“Being undefeated isn’t as great as it sounds for it’s bittersweet”, Britton said, “It’s a situation where you know you’re doing good, but can’t let it get to your head because you know you can do a lot better.”
Levi’s doubles partner and co-captain, Joe Henning, helps lead the team.
Henning also believes that this is the best team he’s ever been a part of at New Prairie, and the camaraderie is really good, and everyone is great friends.
He also said that everyone is so dedicated to the sport and will do anything to win.
“This is my first year being a co-captain and it really forced me to instruct younger members after games and really keep a positive attitude, even when we’re losing.” Said Henning
Henning feels great being undefeated and hopes he can stay that way with a tough road ahead of him.
“Being undefeated gives a certain drive to play better,” He added.