Champaign Central High School Boys Tennis

2008 – Coach Scott Davis.   The 2008 Boys tennis team had a solid season this year. The team finished 5th in the Big 12 and pulled ahead to win a respectable 3rd place at Sectionals. Joel Yambert coveted the number one spot as a Junior and did very well. Felloe Junior Robbie Crow also did very well in the number two place. Together, Crow and Yambert had a good record. Sophomores Keegean Bannon and Kendrith Rowland showed everyone why they deserved to be the number two doubles team when they dominated the court together. Unfortunately for the maroons, three of the four tournaments were cancelled due to rain, but they did make it to one important tournament, the Edwardsville Tiger Duals. The team's MVP award went to Joel Yambert who proved the he deserved it when he was named the singles champion at Sectonals. The following week, the News Gazette named him male athlete of the week. Coach Scott Davis did very well as the tennis coach and throughout the season drilled the team with different exercises. The team only lost two Seniors this year, Tom Chen and Hisham  Al Hreish, si next season looks promising. 

 

2007 – Coach Scott Davis.   The 2007 boys tennis team had an exciting season. They finished a respectable 4th place in the Big 12, but even that wasn't indicative of the high level of talent that Central possessed. Foreign exchange student senior Rodrigo Miller and senior Tommy Deschler lead the team, and started out the season as the teams #1 and #2 singles players respectively. They proved their skill early, placing highly in, if not winning all of their matches. It was then an obvious decision for the two to combine forces, and what resulted was a highly dynamic, nearly unstoppable doubles team. Thet proved this when they won the Big 12 Doubles Championship. The duo then won the Sectional Doubles Championship, leading Central to place 3rd in their Sectional. After placing 9th in doubles at State, both players received All Big 12, and Rodrigo was voted News Gazette Player of the Year. With much of their depth maintained and plenty of returning talent and including Joel Yambert and Kendrith Rowland, Central looks on track to build on their successes for so many years to come. 

 

2006 – Coach Lukeman.   The 2006 boys tennis team had a thrilling season. They were very competitive and most of their losses were in close, hard fought battles. Their skill and determination earned the team 2nd place in the Big 12. Captains Ben Halle and Matt Wampler, along with top seniors Robert Abbott and Luke Spitz,

 

2005 – Coach Braun.  The 2005 boys tennis team had one of its best seasons in the past couple of years. Tennis requires dedication, practice, and skill to be successful. Players of various ages came together to create a team that had many accomplishments. The Maroons were led by co-captains Will Wetzel and Ben Halle, who both helped lead the team to many victories. The team had lots of help from players such as Tommy Deschler, Stefan Budic, and Charles Tabb. Tommy Deschler gave the Maroons a boost by winning conference and earning an all-conference award along with Budic. The Maroons ended the conference season in fifth place. The team finished 2nd in the Decatur Doubles Invite, 4th in the Edwardsville Invite, and 8th in the Moline Invite. As the season was coming to an end, four players advanced to the State tournament: Budic, Deschler, Wampler, and Halle. Budic won threee matches and finished in the top 48. The Maroons ended their season with a 5-4 overall record and a 3-3 conference record. With five of the top six players returning next year, the team is looking stronger than ever. 

 

2004 – (4-5/2-5) Coach Matt Hedge. . Tennis is a sport with aggression, teamwork, and the need to play your absolute hardest. During the 2004 boys' Central tennis season, players old and new came together to play as a team. The team was led by the team captain Coulter Simon and most valuable player Stefan Budic. Every match was close, and they needed a close win to get confidence ipin pressure situations. Three freshmen, Stefan Budic, Tommy Deschler, and Charles Tabb, lettered, proving that in a few years Central boys' tennis will be undefeated and unstoppable. The other terrific Central C letter winners were Coulter Simon, John Herrel, Will Wetzel, Ben Halle, and Matt Wampler. Through all their hard work and effort the team ended on a good note.

 

2003 – Coach Matt Hodge. The boys’ tennis team had its standards set high with the return of seniors Mike Deutscher, Geoffrey Lin, Konrad Klinkner and Christopher Wilson.  Beyond senior leadership, Coulter Simon stepped up and made some crucial wins for the team.  Simon led the team to victories over Rantoul, Decatur Eisenhower, and Chatham Glenwood.  Despite the hard work and determination of the 2003 team, the season was not as successful as the Maroons would have hoped.  The team finished at a disappointing seventh place in the Big 12. 

 

2002 – Coach Matt Hodge.  The boys’ tennis team returned twelve seniors, laying the groundwork for a great 2002 team.  Even with the returning top players, the season was not as successful as the Maroons would have wanted.  With crushing defeats to Centennial and Urbana, and a 7th place finish in the Big 12, the team wanted more.  The season did end with excitement, as two of the seniors, David Reimer and Tony Griglione, advanced to the state level.

 

2001 – Coach Steve Harms.  With only one senior on the team, all eyes were on juniors David Reimer and Tony Griglione.  At the Springfield Invitational, Tony Griglione placed 4th individually.  He would later team up with Jamie Sholem to finish 4th in doubles.  David Reimer, the number one varsity player, finished the year strong by advancing to the quarterfinal round of Sectionals.  The teams ended up finishing in 5th place at the Big 12 meet with key performances from Tyler Hagle and Michael Halle

 

2000 – Coaches Brad Thompson and Steve Harms.  Jack Carey filled #1 spot and was MVP, at the Marist Invitational Carey finished with a 4-1 record and qualified for state, team placed 5th in Big 12 tournament, beat Normal West in a dual meet by winning four consecutive matches, at Decatur Doubles Invitational Jack Carey and Jon Hill placed 2nd and David Reimer and Tony Griglione placed 4th making the team place 4th.

 

1999 – (4-4) Coach Dwight Stricklin.  The MVP’s were Nick McLemore and Jack Carey.  The 1999 tennis season was an interesting year.  First Central’s top player, Evan Dixon, moved to California leaving Jack Carey to take charge until he was injured halfway through the season.  As the season went on, the competition got tough, but the team stayed strong and played with pride.  They had a fifth place finish at conference and a close third at sectionals.  Nick McLemore and Blake Margison finished second in doubles and qualified for state.

 

1998 – Coach Dwight Stricklin, Asst. Coach Steve Harms.  The boys’ tennis team had an outstanding season, finishing with an undefeated dual meet record.  They won Big 12 with first place finishes from Jack Carey at #2 singles and from Evan Dixon and Brian Flood at #2 doubles.  They also were Sectional champions, qualifying the whole team for State where they finished in 24th place.

 

1997 – (7-3) Coaches Michael Hunt and Micah Jordan.  This year’s team was led by a strong group of juniors.  Although the team was young, they placed well in the tournaments and meets.  The team finished first at the Decatur Doubles Invitational.  They also took second at the Big 12 Conference and at Sectionals.  Outstanding Individual Performances:  Kevin Froehlich had a successful 1997 season.  He finished first at Sectionals and took second at the Big 12 Conference.  Kevin has a 23-10 singles record and finished 33rd at State.

 

1996 – (8-2) Coach Irish. Paul Dixon finished 2nd at Sectionals and capped off the season by placing 25th in the State.  Kevin Froehlich finished the regular season with a record of 22 wins and no losses.  He also won the Big 12 Conference title at the number two spot.  Jeff Feng and Kevin Froehlich had a 21-9 record for doubles and finished 23rd in State. 

 

“We had a great season, but we hope to improve next year under the direction of our new coach.”  ~Josh Greenfield.

 

1995 – (10-2) Coach Irish. Tim Crawmer was the sectional as well as the Big 12 Champion, and he tied for ninth place at the state tournament. Steve Harms and Kevin Froehlich were sectional champs and place third in the Big 12.  They also tied for seventeenth place at State in doubles.  Tim Crawmer was the News-Gazette Player of the Week.

 

1994 – (7-5) Coach Tim Irish.  The 1994 Boys’ tennis season certainly had its ups-and-downs.  They were fairly successful in dual meets, finishing with a 7-5 record.  They also played very well at the McNamara and Charger Invitationals, receiving 2nd place at both of these important tournaments.  Unfortunately, the team placed a disappointing 7th at the Big 12 Conference meet.  However, the team placed a very respectable 3rd at Sectionals.  Although the team didn’t do as well as they had hoped, standout junior Tim Crawmer finished with an impressive record of 23-6 playing at number one in singles.  Crawmer also played very well at state finishing tied for 13th. 

 

1993 – (6-6) Coach Tim Irish.  The 1993 Boys’ Tennis season was certainly filled with ups-and-downs for Central’s team.  They experienced moderate success in dual meets (6-6), but stood out with 3rd place finishes in both the McNamara and Charger Invitationals.  This was followed by a disappointing 7th place finish at the Big 12 Conference meet.  Although the entire team did not come out as they had hoped, sophomore Tim Crawmer, named MVP, finished 3rd in #1 singles.  Just one week later the team regained its reputation by placing 2nd overall at Sectionals.  From there, team captain Brian Brown and doubles partner Tim Craawmen placed an outstanding 25th at State. 

 

1992 – Coach Tim Irish.  The 1992 boys’ tennis team has a great season.  They got coach to lead them to a 4th place finish in the Big 12 tournament and an impressive 3rd place finish at the Sectional tournament.  “The team improved a lot and I made a lot of new friends,” said Colin Winter. 

 

1991 – (1-8) Coach John Isenhower. The 1991 boy’s tennis team had a tough season with inconsistent matches and a lot of rainouts.  A new coach, John Isenhower, was added to the netters lineup. 

 

“The team played hard all year.  I thought they played really well during tournaments.”  

~Coach Isenhower

 

1990 – Coach Lloyd.  Top Ten Players:  Charlie Crawmer, Manish Kher, Seth Giertz, David Konisky, Rich Kozell, Mike Hammel, Adam Siegal, Mike Runkle, Greg Metz, and Brian Brown.

 

1989 – Coach Scott Davis.  Coach Scott Davis has led the Central netters to another glorious season.  With depth and strength the netters placed 1st in the Bishop MacNamara Tourney, 5th in the Big 12 and were 11-1 in dual meets.  The Maroons won their fifth straight sectional championship by attaining 31 out of 32 possible points.  Qualifying for state in singles were Charly Crawmer (16-9), Manish Kher (10-5), in doubles Parham Parastaran and Dave Murphy (14-6, Steve Braskamp and Dave Konisky (11-5).

 

1988 – First year head coach Scott Davis guided the varsity tennis team to another impressive season.  The relatively young team dominated the twin cities, won the Bishop MacNamara tournament, and placed 4th in the Big 12.  In addition, the Central team captured its 5th consecutive sectional title achieving 30 out of possible 32 points.  This year’s squad was led by consistent play from Charlie Crawmer and Jason Fischer, outstanding doubles from Parham Parastaran, Dave Murphy, Iren Aikman and, Daniel Konisky and strong support all around. 

 

1987 – Coach Dennis Sparks, better known as the Plug, has done it again.  The tennis guru has led his all-star Netters to another glorious season.  A superior varsity team, confidence, and will to win helped them to finish second in the Big 12 and 1st places in Kankakee and the Sectionals overall.  Senior varsity members, Marshall Schacht, Scott Fosler, Adam LeGrande, and Steve Runkle played to the best of their ability to help them finish in the top twenty in the state tournament. 

 

1986 – (17-3) Coach Dennis Sparks.  After the loss of four varsity lettermen to graduation in 1985, most tennis prognosticators forecasted 1986 to be a rebuilding year for the Champaign Central netters.  Someone forgot to tell this to the Maroons and head coach Dennis Sparks.  After a rigorous preseason strength and agility program devised by taskmaster and tennis guru, Dennis Sparks, the varsity netters proceeded to compile an impressive 17-3 dual meet record.  The Maroons were especially imposing at home where they regularly entertained vociferous and sometimes hostile throngs of spectators.  The varsity netters continued their winning ways in post-season play.  At the sectional meet the Maroons not only secured the team title, but departing senior Scott Casey also seized the singles title by defeating St. Joe-Ogden bound teammate John Wright in the finals, while Scott Fosler and Adam LeGrande procured the doubles title.  The Maroons then capped their season with a top-twenty finish at the state tournament. 

 

1985 – (11-3) Coach Dennis Sparks. 1985 was a winning year for the boy’s tennis team.  Central did excellent in the Kankakee tournament finishing with first place.  They also finished second at the Big 12 Conference and 1st at sectionals.  The over record for 1985 was an outstanding 11-3.

 

1984 – Coach Dennis Sparks, 5 Varsity lettermen all whom been to State, won Centennial Invitational and Kankakee Invitational, 2nd in Conference, tied for 1st place at Districts but only 1 junior doubles team went to State.

 

1982 – Coach Dennis Sparks.  After graduating only two seniors last year, this year’s squad

was filled with strong experienced players.  The racqueteers’ records stands at 8 wins and 3

losses with two dual meets left to play.  The goals are to win the Districts and to be represented

by State.  Captains Brad Thompson and Gordon Babbs, the only seniors and four year veterans

on the squad, provided the leadership to keep the enthusiasm going throughout the season.   The

squad is led by top-playing juniors Matt Kenney and Bob Feldman.  It is almost certain that

Kenney Feldan willl be seeing state action.  Following in the 3 and 4 spots are Babbs and

Thompson. 

 

“Brent is a strong player and will be very helpful to the squad in future years.”

~Dennis Sparks. 

 

1980 – (18-0) Coach Bennett.  The Boy’s tennis team completed a very successful season. 

Compiling an 18-0 record in dual matches with other schools. Central was undefeated.  The

biggest wins for the varsity were the victories over Danville and Urbana; not just once did they

defeat these teams, but twice.  In tournament play, the varsity won the Decatur Play Day, came

in 3rd at the Bloomington Purple Invitational, 4th in the Big 12 Conference meet, and tied for 1st

with Danville in the District meet.  Some of the outstanding records were in singles:  Peter

Bouton Was 12-3, Bruce Tomlin was 18-6; Rodney Manuel was 17-1; and Bill Faught was 16-0. 

In doubles:  Mike Campbell and bill Faught were 14-10; Rodney Manuel and Ernie Baillon were

15-2; and Peter Bouton and Bruce Tomlin were 17-2.  In the District Tournament Peter Bouton

and Bruce Tomlin won 1st place in doubles; Ernir Baillon was 3rd in singles; and Mike Campbel

and Bill Faught was 4th in doubles.  Peter Bouton went to State finals at Arlington Heights

where they advanced through two rounds and won three points.  The most outstanding moment

of the season occurred in Danville at the District Tournament.  Peter Bouton and Bruce Tomlin

lost for the first set b706 to Danville’s doubles’ team.  Bruce and Peter were behind 5-3 and 30-

love when they came alive and won the match.  This victory enabled Central to tie for the

District Championship.

 

1979 – (12-7) – Coach = Bob Bennett.  The team won the 2nd place in the Decatur tournament, a

5th in the conference and a 3rd in the district.  The JV finished 1st place in the Champaign County

J.V. tournament.  Coach Bob Bennett said that the high point of the season was the winning of

the Decatur tournament. 

 

“We only lost two top players, which should make a great team next time.”

~ Bob Bennett

 

1976 – Coach Rich Skelniki.  The team was led by senior Chris Kelly, who was captain and

played the #1 singles spot.  Senior John Hanratty, along with junior Mark Tomlin,

Sophomores Tom Hummel, and Steve Evans, plus freshman Mike Campbell rounded out the top

six. 

 

1973 – Coach Dick Allan.  “We had a very young team this year.  All starting eight will be

back.”  ~Mr. Dick Allan. 

 

Although the team had a poor record, it was a year for learning.  The team developed competitive spirit, which was important in tennis. 

 

1972 – (7-7) Coach Steve Davis.  Central’s tennis squad coached by Steve Davis compiled an

overall season competition record of 7-7, not including, of course, great tournament play, such as

3rd in the Eugene Hill Invitational.  Central led by Captain Glenn Hummel, finished 5th in the

state tournament with a singles victory in the district by Hummel.  Despite high hopes, Glenn did

not win in the state match at the U. of I. 

 

1970 – (10-4) Coach Mr. Brad Roos.   The tennis squad this year was led by John Parks and

Eddie Chin.  The team became highly skilled under the school’s new coach, Mr. Brad Roos.  The

team definitely improved throughout the year resulting in a team record of 10-4.  Eligible for

state this year was Eddie Chin, who was finally beaten by the state fourth place winner.

 

1969 – Coach Dick Mulvihill.  The Champaign Central tennis team, deeply hurt by last year’s graduation, found the going rough in this rebuilding year.  Coach Mulvihill had only two returning lettermen, Ed Chin and Jim Lewis.  They were place in number 1 and number 2 positions consecutively.  The other four spots left open on varsity were evenly fought for by John Parks, Rick Tanner, Mark Holste, Bill Campo, Jerry Gorman and a handful of sophomores who were exposed to competitive tennis for the first time.  Coach Mulvihill spent most of the time teaching the fundamentals of the game and trying to develop consistency and confidence in his players. 

 

1967 – (10-8) Coach = Bob Avery.  During what must be considered a rebuilding year, Coach Bob Avery’s netmen performed creditably.  In addition to its two returning letterman, Jim Williamson and George Chin, the squad was aided by senior transfer Chip Runyan from Danville.  The Maroons had a 10-8 dual meet record and finished 2nd to state power Danville in both the District and Conference meets.  Sophomore Bruce Shuman and senior Chip Runyan consistently played numbers 1 and 2 singles and teamed together as the number 1 doubles team.  Other winners were seniors Rick Emerick and Don Warren, and juniors Jim Seaver, Jim Williamson, George Chin, Ted Wissfeldt, Stan Honn, and manager Bob Sticklen. 

 

1966 – (7-7) Coach Bob Avery.  Shaking off injuries, the tennis team finished the season in outstanding fashion.  The Maroons placed 2nd in the Conference and tied for 3rd in the District.  Letter earners were Ken Shellabarger, Jack Wong, Randy Smith, Lee Pigage, Steve Shelton, Jim Williamson, George Chin and Tracy Dixon.

 

1964 – (3-10) Coaches Fred Attebury and John Frothingham.  The Champaign tennis team surprised everyone with a 3rd place finish in the Conference meet.  The 3 wins came against Lincoln, Danville Schlarman, and Rantoul.  Champaign has beat Lincoln every year in Coach Attebury’s tenure.  The win against Schlarman and Rantoul reversed two earlier season defeats.  The team should be very strong next year with six lettermen returning. Graduating are Captain Mike McDaniel, Orin Ireland, Bob Bishop, and Lance Allee.  Mr. Attebury is retiring as tennis coach after this season and will be replaced by Mr. Bob Avery.

 

1963 – (6-4-1) Coach Fred Attebury.  Coach Attebury’s 1963 tennis team got off to a running start, experienced a mid-season slump, then finished strong, as they compiled a mediocre four wins, six losses, and one tie season.  Senior captain John Younger consistently led the netmen, often winning both a singles and doubles match, getting help in the latter from one of his teammates.  Younger, John Pierce, and Alvin Williamson were the only returning letterwinners from the (7-7-1) 1962 squad.  The Maroons started off in fine style, winning two of their first three meets, tying the other with conference foe Mattoon.  In the next 6 meets the netters were able to win only 1, a Big 12 contest, 5-2 against Lincoln.  They lost to conference opponents Danville, Bloomington, and Mattoon, making their Big 12 record 1-3-1.  The two non-conference losses brought the netters’ overall tally to 3-5-1.  CHS split the remaining 2 contests, whipping Rantoul for the 2nd time, and losing to Springfield 4-3.  Before the last two meets, the Maroons took 2nd place in the 8-team district tourney, coming in behind conference powerhouse Danville.  John Younger and 1964 captain-elect Mike McDaniel won 2nd place in the doubles competition.  Kankakee finished 3 points behind the Maroons in 3rd place.  Coach Attebury and his assistant, Colonel John Frothingham, will again have 3 returning lettermen in 1964, McDaniel, Denny Kunza, and junior Chuck Spencer. 

 

1962 – (7-7-1) –Coach Fred Atteberry.  Captain Ron Moyer and captain-elect John Younger led the way as the CHS tennis team concluded the 1962 season with one of the best records in may years.  This new improvement and a record turnout for the tennis matches indicate that the interest in tennis is being revived, making for a bright future in the sport.  An extra glory was a district 1st as there was no conference meet.  In the district tourney at Danville, which the Maroons won, Ron Moyer and John Younger won 1st place in the doubles competition, while Steve Howard was downed in the singles’ semi-finals. 

 

1961 – (1-7) Coach Fred Attebury.  The Maroon netmen, led by captain Phil Haugaard faced some of the toughest competition in the state.  In the Conference, the Maroons paced by the doubles team of Phil Haugaard and Ron Moyer, who reached the semi-finals, and Bill Miller and Bill Thompson, who reached the quarter-finals, were a surprise 4th.  Phil Haugaard was 1st man for the Maroons followed by the ambidextrous Ron Moyer, a junior who is captain-elect.  Ron, who is naturally left handed, injured his left arm and, while it was in a cast learned to play right-handed.

 

1960 – Coach Fred Attebury, inexperienced squad, only won one meet, 2 only returning lettermen, 2 seniors.

 

1959 – (5-6) Coach Fred Attebury.  Captured 3rd in the District.  Coach in his first year expresses satisfaction with the team spirit and record in view of the caliber of the competition.  Captain-elect Len Palmer and Phil Hauguard will return to lead a young inexperienced team into competition in the 1960 season.

 

1958 – (3-7) Coach John O’Connor.  Hurt by the loss of experienced lettermen, however, they bettered last year’s squad led by Tom Brunkow, Big 12 singles champ.  In tournament play the Maroons lacked depth necessary to place high in the field.  At district they finished 2nd and finished 9th in the Big 12 meet.  No one qualified for state. 

 

1955 - (5-2) Coach Don Adams. The 1955 tennis team improved over teams of the last several years.  They also produced a strong doubles team of Bob Lansford and Tom Brunkow which advanced to the quarter finals of the state meet.  In the Big 12 tournament, Champaign placed 5th, as Lansford and Brunkow copped 2nd in the doubles competition.  This pair won the doubles in the district meet, thus advancing to state when they got as far as the quarter finals.  Champaign was also 2nd in total team points in the district.

 

1954 - (5-3) Coach = Don Adams. The Maroon netmen played five games in the Big 12 conference, two games with University High School and one with Hoopeston.  They played on the YMCA courts this year.  Danville, state champions, was host at the district meet.  Champaign failed to qualify anyone for the meet although Jim Hansen and John Miller came very close.  Miller lost to the state champion, 6-5 and 6-3.  The tennis team placed 7th in Big 12 play.

 

1953 – (3-4) Coach Don Adams. Took 2nd in district at Danville, and tied for 8th place in the Big 12.  This was a building year but Coach Adams foresees a much improved team next year with 3 returning lettermen: Jim Hansen, John Kearns, and captain-elect John Miller.

 

1952 – (2-6) Coach Adams. Mattoon was the only Big 12 team to be defeated by Champaign, 4-3.  In the other win, the Maroons rallied to win the last doubles match over Uni High, 4-3.  Two games were rained out.  The rest of the seasons went as scheduled.  In the District at Danville, Champaign took 2nd behind the hosts, 16-3.  Later in the Big 12 meet at Peoria, the boys placed 4th. 

 

1951 – (3-6) Coach Don Adams, Bob Gillogly is the only player to place in the state. Did not place for the Big 12.

 

1950 – (3-6) Coach Don Adams, Letter winners: Captain Bob Gillogly, Don Richmond, Bill Hansen and Dave Cartilidge.

 

1949 – (5-8) Coach Don Adams, 2nd at District, Dick Tarrant and Jim Edwards won 3rd place in doubles in the Big 12

 

1948 – (2-7) Coach Adams, Dick Tarrant was the No. 1 player, Although the record was not impressive, it was the first season for tennis since 1941.

 

1941 – (5-1-1) Coach Adams, 2nd in the Big 12. Captain Johnny Tarrant successfully defended his district title while Danville downed the Maroons by a count of 6-3. Tarrant was the #1 player at CHS and Big 12 Champ, lost to Tom McDonald.

 

1930 – Coach Rumble (3-0), Stuart Moll, 2nd in singles (Big 12) and 1st in the district, Ben Schrumpf 3rd in singles(Big 12)  and 2nd in the district with Joe Moll. .

 

1929 – Coach Rumble; the team was able to play only one match before being banished from the IHSA. They won that match against Danville 4-1.

 

1923- Coach Henry Moorehead, 19 boys signed up to play off a tournament, the 3 winners to be entered in the State meet, Hutchinson, Higgins, and Burke went to State

 

1922 – Coach Moorehead had an elimination type of season. Lyle Nash was the singles champion out of the 14 entrants who participated. In the state tournament Nash lost 2 out 3 sets. Welker lost in two straight sets.

 

1921 – Because of the lack of a practice facility, they managed to practice on the university courts. The men worked hard but not hard enough to place.