By MINDY KEPFIELD

Staff writer

Hillsboro High tennis team’s practice schedule has been disrupted by heavy rain, but coach Bob Woelk appears to be taking the latest puddle in the team’s path in stride.

The boys who challenged each other during net play this past week appeared happy to be on the courts after a year’s absence, even if it was damp and overcast.

“It has been a bit tough,” he said. “We really aren’t ready yet. But it’s a short quick season.”

Woelk has a hard time judging the Trojan’s potential in competition this year.

His seniors were sophomores the last time they played and several on the nine-member team are new to the sport.

A top contender this year is senior Noah Bartel. He and partner Aidan Unruh placed 6th in doubles at Central Kansas League Championships when Bartel was a sophomore.

Other seniors on the team are Ethan Plenert and Henry Hein.

Juniors Tristan Rathbone, Filow Cruz, and sophomore Lane Rogers are good athletes who have never competed on a tennis team.

Brody Rader, a junior, returns to the team this year.

“He was out last year, but obviously didn’t play any matches,” Woelk said.

Hillsboro’s next match is 3 p.m. April 1 in Ellsworth.