BY NIKKI LONGUSKI
Special to The Review

The Lake Orion High School Varsity Boys Tennis Team’s season is under way and halfway through, with their record standing at 7-5 as of May 7.
The team has been having a great season, with a lot of talent coming in, according to head coach Jody Winkleman.
The team’s top singles players are Justin Kirtland, Shalako Denison, Kuba Swierszczwk and Doug Collins. The top doubles players are Eric Szuch and Kody Siebold. But that’s not all, said Winkleman.
“A lot of players have stepped up this year, since last year we lost eight of 12 starters due to graduation,” said Winkleman. “Eric Szuch, all the singles players, Vaughn Hopkins and Matt Murawka have stepped up a lot.
“Our new talent comes from freshman Mike Zach and junior Chris Lagona, and all give great performances. I’m very pleased,” Winkleman said.
For the team, the only tough competition coming up is the post-season league tournament, and a state regional tournament. The team has a lot of strengths, including the ability to bounce back and come out hard the next day, even after a loss.
“Our weaknesses are probably our players not developing their game during the off season, and only a small number of Orion players do this,” said Winkleman.
The team defeated Lapeer West on May 1, with Lake Orion winning all but one match. On May 6, the team increased their record against L’anse Creuse, sweeping the meet.
The team travels to regionals this weekend and the state finals are May 30-31.