There a new sheriffs in town, and they know each other quite well.

Jeff Besek, an experienced assistant coach, is starting his first year as a head coach boys’ tennis coach at Cotter this year. He is also a Cotter graduate of 1989. His wife, Anne Besek, is the assistant coach.

The goal they have set for the season is to “get to section finals and try for more.”

Seniors Ryan Ortega and Andre Russeau are the captains this year, and good experience and leadership with six seniors on the team  There is also a large group of 9th graders and an interesting mix of local students and international students on the team.

Ortega, who has been a key player for years and has qualified for State several times, is optimistic about the season. “I think we should contend for the section title. If we can make it to the state, we’ll play pretty well. Our team is a bunch of athletes who grind very hard 24/7 with no break!”

“Tennis helps you to learn how to be on a team and have fun!,” senior Daniel Cardenas said.

At this time of year, before matches have begun, the practices can be rigorous.

“It is tough, I mean ,all the training but eventually you’re satisfied with the result,”  senior Aaron Kyun added.

Kaj King-Henke,  agreed, noting  “It’s too much running,” after the sprint practice.

Many members are new to the team and get used to the training, but looking forward to the competition.

” I am glad I joined the team and I will work harder,” Jerry, She, a sophomore, said.

” I was once in track and field and it was terrible but tennis seems to work better for me,” sophomore Leo Zhang said.

“It’s second year on the team. My goal for this year is to win almost every match,” fellow sophomore Jerry Yang added.

Full roster:

Kaj King-Henke (7th), Ian Modjeski (8th), Rob Besek (8th), Aidan Carlson (9th), Alex Park (9th), Andrew Hinz (9th), Austin King-Henke (9th), Bowen Tian (9th), Gabe Welch (9th), Hunter Ramsden (9th), Joey Renk (9th), Joseph Nagel (9th), Peter Badciong (9th), Tony Wan (9th), Matt Besek (9th), Jerry She (10th), Jerry Yang (10th), Leo Zhang (10th), Scott Zhu (10th),  Connor Zukowski (11th), Jack Kim (11th), Kevin Tian (11th), Pau Valderama (11th), Samuel Graff (11th), Aaron Kyun (12th), Connor Hagarty (12th), Andre Russeau (12th), Minjae Kim (12th), Ryan Ortega (12th), Daniel Cardenas (12th).

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