Troy boys tennis team full of young talent

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TROY — When legendary Troy boys tennis coach Mark Goldner says the program is starting over, he is not kidding.

The Trojans graduated six letterwinners off last year’s 15-2 squad.

“I have been coaching for 51 years,” Goldner said. “There are just times where you have to start over.”

Not that the Trojans are without talent.

At first singles will be freshman Yasashi Masunaga.

If that name sounds familiar, his older brother Genki Masunaga graduated last year.

The lone senior Henry Johnston, will make the move from first doubles to second singles.

Johnston had a 21-7 record last year at doubles.

“Yasashi (Masunaga) is a very good player,” Goldner said. “He just hasn’t been through it before. Henry (Johnson) played doubles for two years. I am very pleased with what I have seen from both of those guys.”

At third singles will be junior Cam Lombardo and freshman Nathan Miller.

“Cam (Lombardo) was on the hockey team,” Goldner said. “He is doing very well. Nathan (Miller) is going to get some varsity action.

Three of the four doubles players will be freshman.

At first doubles, sophomore Aiden Miller moves up from second doubles after having a 16-7 record last year and will team with freshman Michael Burns.

At second doubles will be freshman Leo Gluck and Troy Whitehead.

“They are all good players,” Goldner said. “But, they just haven’t been through this before. It is a learning experience.”

Goldner knows Tippecanoe is the team to beat in the MVL, returning most of their lineup from last year’s team that went through the MVL unbeaten.

For this Troy team, it will be about where they are at the end of the season.

“It will be fun to watch and see how much they improve,” Goldner said. “How, they handle the coach and all the different things.”

Because, the Trojans are literally starting over.

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