The beginning of a new era in Osakis athletics was delayed one year after the spring seasons were shut down due to the pandemic in 2020. Now the Silverstreaks are excited to play their first-ever boys tennis season with 11 athletes in this inaugural group.
“Everyone is excited to get the opportunity to compete,” head coach Ryan Maddock said. “Our expectation is to work hard, learn the game, and gain experience. This team needs experience, so every match is a step in the right direction. We know it could be difficult to see team success at first, but are working toward building a team that can be competitive down the road.”
Maddock has seen perennial success as coach of the Osakis girls program in the fall, and he hopes to eventually build toward something similar on the boys’ side. His son, sophomore Isaac Maddock, will help anchor things this year as the No. 1 singles player.
“Isaac has a lot of tennis experience through USTA tennis opportunities,” coach Maddock said. “Our team consists of high-character players who are hard workers and willing to learn and try new things. We have players who have had success in other sports and activities and have shown the willingness to work hard at improving. We just need more experience playing tennis, specifically, playing matches. Realistically, it will take time to become a competitive team, but we are happy to get the opportunity to try and do that.”
Logan Grove and Jacob Uhl are the two seniors on this roster. Connor Gulbranson, Carson Hendricks and Marcus Wolf join Isaac Maddock as sophomores on the team.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Serving and returning are very important in tennis as everyone has to hit those shots,” coach Maddock said. “We need to improve on those areas, as struggling in those areas makes the game very tough. Footwork and movements on the court need to continue improving as well.”
Osakis is not a part of a conference yet, but will play out of Section 8A where Maddock expects Thief River Falls, the 2019 champion, to be the team to beat come tournament time.
2021 OSAKIS BOYS TENNIS
ROSTER - SENIORS - Logan Grove, Jacob Uhl; SOPHOMORES - Connor Gulbranson , Carson Hendricks, Isaac Maddock, Marcus Wolf; FRESHMEN - Mason Grove, Jacob Taplin; 8TH-GRADE - Bryce Moen, Micah Moore; 7TH GRADE - Tyler Stier
COACHES - Head coach - Ryan Maddock; Assistant coaches - None
OSAKIS BOYS TENNIS SCHEDULE
April 13 vs. St. Cloud Cathedral/SJP, 4:30 p.m.
April 22 vs. Montevideo, 4 p.m.
ADVERTISEMENT
April 23 vs. Benson, 4:30 p.m.
April 24 at Mora, 10 a.m.
May 6 at Benson, 4:30 p.m.
May 7 vs. Yellow Medicine East, 4:30 p.m.
May 10 at Perham, 4:30 p.m.
May 11 vs. Minnewaska, 4:30 p.m.
May 13 at LQPV, 4:30 p.m.
May 18 at New London-Spicer, 4:30 p.m.
ADVERTISEMENT
May 20 at St. Cloud Cathedral/SJP, 4:30 p.m.
