Park Hill’s Tristan Houchin is the Trojans’ No. 1 after making it to state as a junior.
KANSAS CITY – Two years removed from a 19-3 campaign and an appearance to the Class 3 Boys’ Tennis State Quarterfinals, Park Hill is gearing up to be a championship level squad.
Taking a step back last season with 11 wins and eight losses, Park Hill still sent Tristan Houchin to the state tournament as an individual. He’s a senior this year and will be the No. 1 after falling in sectionals to end his junior season.
“Our goal each year is to have multiple state qualifiers and last year, we had a singles qualifier,” Park Hill head boys’ tennis coach Rustin Reyes said. “We have a talented, experienced roster and have a handful of guys that have the potential to make a state qualifying run.”
Jeremy Hernandez and Houchin will lead the way as seniors, along with three more Trojans who are coming back from last season. Sophomore Drew Miller is joined by juniors Franco Timotei and Will Poole who will look to make strides this spring, in addition to freshman Carter Lovitt.
“We’re a threat at all nine courts with a lot of experience at the varsity level. I’ve got a bunch of lead by example guys, a bunch of high-quality people and one thing we need to show is our vocal leadership and competitive fire. Developing leadership and showing fight externally on the court is an area of focus for growth this season,” Reyes said.
Park Hill ended last spring with a 5-1 loss in the Class 3 District 8 Semifinals to St. Joseph’s Central. That defeat has motivated the players, and they are ready to get back on the court.
“Several guys have worked their tails off during the offseason, so we have a chance to be deep. Many championship teams are won at the four, five and six singles positions and by being dominant in doubles. My guys are hungry because we came up short in conference and districts last season,” Reyes said.