Linn-Mar hoping to break state skid in tennis

The Linn-Mar boys' tennis team will try to break a streak today, hoping to qualify for the state team tournament.

“Linn-Mar has not had a team advance to state since 1988,” said Coach Chris Wundram. “None of the boys on this team were even born yet, and I was in kindergarten.”

To do that, the Lions must first overcome Pleasant Valley at Linn-Mar.

“We played them earlier this year, and did very well against them, winning their tournament,” Wundram said. “But they are much improved since then.”

Linn-Mar is a talented group, too, posting a 49-3 record the past three years with four consecutive Mississippi Valley Conference division titles.

“It has been a nice run,” Wundram said. “We have had some outstanding senior leadership this season, and that has really helped us.

“Tyler McCann has a great job for us in the number two singles spot. Dillon Eick has done very well in the three slot, losing only twice for us. Also Blake Young at number six only has one loss. They have all been outstanding.”

A Lion doubles team also is catching some attention.

“Brady Anderson and Tyler McCann have a chance to be top seeded in doubles,” Wundram said. “They have done very well and have had a strong season.”

But as with any trip to state, it all comes down to winning matches.

“We are excited and confident going into this weekend's substate tournament,” Wundram said. “We know we have to play our very best for us to be successful.”

If the Lions beat Pleasant Valley, they will take on the winner of the Clinton-Cedar Rapids Kennedy match, at Jefferson.

“Going into the season, going to the state tournament was definitely our goal,” Wundram said. “Now that we know how long it has been, we really want to get there.”