Boys’ Tennis Takes Aim At SWC Tourney Spot

By Andy Hutchison

Early this week marked the end to that tough time of the spring sports campaign, when coaches toy with possible lineups and players have only so many practices and tryout sessions — between rainy days — to make the cut and earn playing time. The members of the Newtown High School boys’ tennis team made this period especially tough, with parity throughout the lineup giving Head Coach Marty Margulies difficult decisions to make.

“It’s a very nice problem to have,” Margulies said of the challenge of piecing together his starting lineup, late last week.

“I’m very encouraged by what I’ve seen. We have a lot of depth,” Margulies said. “We have 16 boys and every one of them is a player.”

In other words, if someone is injured, sick, or struggling, there are plenty of capable, varsity-level players to insert into the lineup.

“We’re in excellent shape,” Margulies said.

As the preseason gave way to the start of the regular campaign this week, Newtown’s roster was beginning to take shape. Margulies said this past weekend that the lineup, at that point, had senior captain Mario Roehrs in the top singles spot, followed by junior Evan Batzer, junior Adam Wenick, and sophomore Peter Manos.

Among those who are also challenging for singles time as the season gets underway this week are sophomores Casey Tenney and Timo Roehrs, who make up the No. 1 doubles duo for now. Junior Joe Cappiello is another doubles player with potential to crack the singles’ roster. The other players on the team were competing for a doubles position, Margulies said.

The Nighthawks not only have lots of depth, but they also possess a tremendous amount of experience in the varsity ranks. Among last year’s graduates, only one was a starter: No. 2 singles player Chris Meier.

The Hawks went 7-5 in the South-West Conference and 9-5 overall a year ago. They finished fifth among 12 SWC teams, narrowly missing out on a spot in the conference tournament, which includes the top four schools.

“I do expect to contend very strongly for one of the top four team playoff spots,” Margulies said.

Tough competition will come from SWC rivals Weston, Joel Barlow, and Pomperaug, the coach added.

The Nighthawks were scheduled to open the campaign against Lauralton Hall Wednesday at Treadwell Park. Pomperaug visits on April 10, and the Hawks entertain Barlow on April 23 and Weston on May 1.