Racquetcats look for continued success

Like so many sports at Aledo, the Bearcats/Ladycats tennis program has a long history of success, and with half of the team returning from last season it’s understandable why coach Joe McCoy is optimistic about that success continuing.

Last season in team tennis Aledo, after a third-place finish in District 5-5A, advanced to the third round of the playoffs before falling to district rival Wichita Falls Rider 10-9. Back from that squad are five boys and two girls.

The returning boys include seniors Ian Leslie and Hogan Posey, along with juniors Scott Mason, Craig Mason, and Ben Farmer. Girls back are senior Paige Federman and sophomore Bryanna Orr.

“Our kids are hungry, confident, and excited for the fall season. They have high expectations and have worked very hard throughout the summer to reach their goals,” McCoy said. “I am excited for them and looking forward to watching them compete at a high level. Our expectations for the team is that they focus on things that they can control, their attitude and their effort, in everything they do, from practice to matches, school work, and their home life. 

“To be great you’ve got to practice being great and that takes great effort and a great attitude every day. I am so proud of our kids. We have great players on and off the court. I am looking forward to a great season.”

Redistricting this past February put Rider in the district again, along with Granbury, Azle, Brewer, and newcomers Northwest HS and Saginaw. Last year’s district champion, Wichita Falls, moved down to 4A. 

“I suspect it will be a two-horse race for the district championship between Aledo and Rider this year (Aledo beat Rider in another very close match 10-8 in the first district match of the season). Our region is very tough with the Abilene and Lubbock schools, Amarillo, as well as, Argyle, who moved up in classification this year and was in the state championship last year in 4A,” McCoy said.

“Sarah Carlson is our new assistant coach, coming over from Paschal HS. We are very glad to have her. She has already been a great asset to our program.”