Canty expects Cards to be competitive

The 2009 Bloomfield High School boys tennis team includes (front row, from left) coach Mike Canty, Holden Hamm, Cory Slaven, Brandon Thornbury, Kyle Doane, Derek Corn and Eric Hendrix. The back row (from left) includes Blake Kindred, Joel Oliphant, Austin Schulte, Andy Cochrane, Curtis Hasler, Jacob Weaver, Jacob Chestnut and Stephen Petho. (By B.J. Hargis/Greene County Daily World). [Order this photo]

"Of our three losses last year, three came to a strong North Daviess team -- one in the regular season, one in the conference champion and one in the sectional," said Canty, who is starting his 19th season with the program, 16th as the head coach. "Our only other loss was to Barr-Reeve. North Daviess graduated six of their starting seven.

"Barr-Reeve, Bedford North Lawrence, North Central and Linton-Stockton all return strong squads and will be tough to beat. We have to get past Linton for a shot at the SWIAC (Southwestern Indiana Athletic Conference) title and Loogootee is always tough competition when it comes to sectional time. With our returning experience, we should be able to compete well with anyone on our schedule."

Returning at No. 1 singles is senior Derek Corn, who won 18 of 22 matches in 2008.

"Derek is expected to play No. 1 again," said Canty, who has a career mark of 170-138 at BHS. "He has a career record of 42-18.

"He had a strong USTA summer tennis turn. He finished 8-5 and ranked 37th in the boys 18s. He won the Terre Haute Visitors Bureau Junior Open and was beaten in the finals in two tournaments and was beaten in the semifinals of another."

Canty said that senior Joel Oliphant, who was 16-3 at No. 3 singles a year ago, will probably be moving up to No. 2 singles, filling the void left by graduating senior Willy Scott (17-5).

"Joel has a career record of 27-9," said Canty. "He also competed in the USTA boys 18s summer tournament series and finished 4-9 with a ranking of 166. He was beaten in the two consolation finals and in two consolation semifinals."

Holden Hamm is a senior that will be playing doubles again.

"Holden was 14-7 at one doubles last year," said Canty. "And he will play there again this year.

"He has a career record of 31-27."

Austin Schulte is another senior letterman.

"Austin was Hamm's doubles partner at No. 1 last year," said Canty. "He also was 14-7 in 2008."

Jacob Chestnut, senior, played two doubles in 2008 with a variety of partners, including graduate Mitch Hobson.

"Jacob had a 7-13 record a year ago," said Canty.

Sophomore Curtis Hasler also returns with experience at doubles. Canty said he posted a 3-2 record on the varsity last season.

Seniors Jacob Weaver (1-6) and Stephen Petho (1-6), juniors Blake Kindred (3-5), and Brandon Thornsbury (6-4) and sophomore Kyle Doane (5-7) all return with experience in junior-varsity competition.

Senior Andy Cochrane, junior Cory Slaven and sophomore Eric Hendrix are playing tennis for the first time.

"This is Andy's first try at tennis," said Canty. "He has made an impact in the first week of practice."

The Cardinals opened the season Wednesday at home against Northview, the first of three matches in the first week of the season, including a match at home today against Loogootee.

"We jump out with three matches in three days," said Canty. "Northview has had a good program throughout the years and Loogootee is also very competitive. It will be a good early-season test for us.

"We have some good kids and they have been working really hard to get ready to play. I am looking forward to getting started and seeing how the season develops."

Bloomfield

Boys Tennis Roster

Player Gr.

Jacob Chestnut 12

Derek Corn 12

Holden Hamm 12

Joel Oliphant 12

Stephen Petho 12

Austin Schulte 12

Jacob Weaver 12

Andy Cochrane 12

Blake Kindred 11

Brandon Thornbury 11

Cory Slaven 11

Kyle Doane 10

Curtis Hasler 10

Eric Hendrix 10

Coach: Mike Canty (16th season, 170-138).