Boys varsity tennis took their first state title on Tuesday at the Woods Tennis Center in Lincoln, Neb.

On Monday, the class B state tournament began. The boys fought hard and only dropped one match in #2 singles with junior Aiden Harris. Day two of state was an even bigger success.

Senior Eli Shada, #1 singles, beat McCook in the semis with scores of 6-4 and 6-0 then progressed to the finals to play against Crete, scored 3-6 and 4-6, and ultimately won the state-runner up title.

Seniors #1 doubles partners Ryan Mensch and Luke Butler barely dropped their semifinal match against Mount Michael Benedictine with scores of 6-4. 2-6, and 4-6 and earned 3rd place.

Freshman Andrew Shada and junior Jacob Petrick, #2 doubles partners, beat Grand Island Central Catholic in the semifinals with scores of 7-6, 7-5, and 6-2 then competed in the finals against Lincoln Christian, placing 2nd. 

“Watching the team move up on the podium game after game felt really good,” Sophomore JV player Nathan Vijit said. “It was exciting to see them celebrate after the last match that got them first place [as a team].”

The wolves found that maintaining motivation during hard matches is another key to their success.

“Andrew and Jacob went to a ten point tie-break and everyone was just going wild after every point,” Eli Shada said. “It really helps to cheer for each other and be really loud to hopefully get in the other opponent’s head.”

The boys were led to victory by head coach Lance Kush and assistant coach Dillon Luke. 

“It took every player and every match to earn 1st place,” Kush said. “I am very happy for the boys!. They played for each other all season.”