Tennis team completes season at Section meet

The New Prague Trojan boys tennis team concluded their season Friday, May 25, at the Section 2AA subsection individuals meet at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter.

Two singles players and two doubles teams competed at the meet. None of the Trojan entries advanced to Tuesday’s sectional, but Coach Ben Hilding said he was pleased with the progress the team made during the season and the effort they showed on Friday.

“Overall, while it was a rebuilding year for New Prague tennis, I am so proud of our guys. They gave their full effort every match, and it showed by how they stepped up and kept playing hard every match,” Hilding said. “I also love how they kept their heads up with a positive attitude throughout the year. I attribute that to the fact that this team is full of admirable young men, who demonstrate strong character even in the midst of adversity.”

At No. 1 singles, Justin Klegstad lost to Hutchinson's Hayden Knorr 2-6, 4-6. "What I love about Klegstad is that he jumped from JV last year, to playing No. 1 singles on varsity this year,” Hilding said. “Despite the big jump, it was evident to me today that Klegstad belonged in this position. Even though he didn't come out with the win, he showed that he can hit with these top guys, and that demonstrated his determination and drive to improve."

At No. 2 singles, Sagan Shetka faced Evan Westlund, also from Hutchinson. “Westlund was a hard-hitting senior player, which was a great challenge for Shetka. He gave Westlund headaches in the first set, because he could track down every shot, and get it back. Although.....

To see more on this story pick up the May 31, 2018 print edition of The New Prague Times.