When Lake Washington tennis coach Rob Krause took over as head coach last year he had a goal – build up the program. Despite many hurdles, Krause and assistant coach John Stalker are slowly moving towards a more robust program.
“We committed ourselves to coach extra hours in order to allow for a larger team and still be able to accomplish what any other team can in their practice sessions,” said Krause, who decided to make boys tennis a no cut program last year to try and get more participation.
One worry for many coaches was the impact on turnout with sports fees increasing dramatically this year. For Krause, he was pleasantly surprised.
“A wonderful surprise came in the appearance of eight sophomore players who showed up for the first practice,” said Krause.
Despite the surprise, Krause said that the program is not where he would like to see it as far as participation is concerned.
“We have 19 athletes and the sophomore class is very deep in regards to skill and talent,” said Krause. “(The sophomore class gives) us hope for the future as these young men develop their game over the next few years.”
The Kangs return seven of the 10 starters from last season, including five seniors and seven of the top eight players from last year.
Senior captain Eliot Low is the team’s returning No. 1 player. Currently the No. 2, 3 and 4 singles spots are held by a junior, Matthew Lim and sophomores Nikola Lacic and Satoshi Matsuura.
“Seniors Quentin Behr, Patrick McCarthy, Kenny Narita and Rodian Khoruzhenko give us much improved depth over last years team,” said Krause.
Junior Jordan Cox is another returning varsity player and a doubles specialist.
KingCo has changed its format this year allowing for four singles players instead of three during each meet. But the trade off is that no one is allowed to play both doubles and singles in a duel match.
“This change in rules means a team needs to have better depth than in previous years,” said Krause.
One of the team’s goals is to move up in the duel meet standings.
“I believe it is realistic to win five or six of our 11 duel matches,” said Krause.
Last year the squad advanced one doubles team in the 4A KingCo tournament in November. That team was made up Behr and Lim.
“I believe we are on the verge of returning to become a force in the Kingco league in many sports,” said Krause. “The commitment and support from the coaches and our Athletic Director George Crowder is very apparent.”
