Marion’s Scott shoots for state one last time

MARION – Marion boys' tennis coach James Foth says up to this point, senior Caleb Scott has largely flown under the radar.

At Thursday's Class 1A district meet at Cedar Rapids Xavier, Scott and doubles partner Nate Meister have a chance to change perception as they compete for their first state tournament berth.

'He's been excellent as a senior leader and he's come on of late,” Foth said of Scott. 'He's been one of the better ones in Marion history.”

Scott and Meister are up against a loaded 1A field that includes traditional powers Dubuque Wahlert and Grinnell, as well as area schools Independence, South Tama, Union Community and host Cedar Rapids Xavier.

District play consists of eight meets in both 1A and 2A spread across the state, with seven or eight schools at each site. Each school submits two singles' players and two doubles' teams for competition. Both the district champion and runner-up in both singles and doubles qualify for the state meet.

'We're feeling pretty good right now,” Scott said. 'Playing our hardest in practice and just working hard at it. We'll just do our best tomorrow and give it all we've got.”

Scott and Meister enter district play with a 9-3 record at No. 1 doubles this season for the Indians. As a tandem, they possess the coveted lefty-righty combination that is difficult to defend. Scott patrols the outside, while Meister mans the deuce side. Scott possesses a strong left-handed serve and does not shy away from challenging at the net. Meister, a sophomore who figures to assume the No. 1 singles role next season, has steadily improved since playing with the senior.

'We just communicate very well and get along with each other,” Meister said. 'We really keep each other going when we make mistakes. He's a good teammate.”

Scott finished 10-4 in singles this season, highlighted by a No. 1 singles' championship at the Wamac conference meet. Even with the individual accolades, when it came time to decide his district fortunes he flipped to doubles.

'I like playing the doubles game a lot more,” Scott said. 'I feel a lot more confident with it. I like having an extra teammate, too.”

Other area 1A schools competing Thursday include Decorah and Oelwein at Waverly-Shell Rock, while Maquoketa is at Davenport Assumption.

In Thursday's 2A meets, Cedar Rapids Kennedy will host Cedar Rapids Washington, Western Dubuque and Cedar Rapids Prairie at Coe College's indoor courts. Iowa City High welcomes Iowa City West and Cedar Rapids Jefferson. Linn-Mar is at Marshalltown.

If rain hampers any of the sites, play will move to Friday.

l Comments: douglas.miles@thegazette.com