Trojans success making mark on program

The mark has been made, and their own personal stamp could be two wins away.

Iowa City West's boys tennis team has produced an impressive season with a Mississippi Valley Conference Valley Division title. The Trojans hope to add an even bigger crown to the contributions made to their program.

West enters as the No. 2 seed in the Iowa High School Athletic Association Class 2A state team tennis tournament Tuesday at Waveland Tennis Courts in Des Moines. The Trojans play West Des Moines Valley in the semifinal round at 8:30 a.m.

"This team hadn't been a part of any championships," West Coach Mitch Gross said. "When we won the MVC that was the first mark on the program. This is our first trip to state since 2008. We have a real chance to make an even bigger mark on the program."

West (16-0) will be challenged immediately against the defending state champions. Gross said state team tennis is the hardest competition to qualify for since only four spots are available. All the state teams are tough.

"Team tennis is all about depth and I think all four teams have that," Gross said. "It's going to be a battle."

Gross, the MVC Valley Coach of the Year, has led the Trojans to three state team tournament appearances in 10 years as coach. He has experience at state even if his players do not, and the team is ready for this opportunity.

"I like our chances," said Gross, claiming this is his best West team. "We have gamers and tough players, both physically and mentally, and that's what it takes to win a championship."

Sophomore Kyle Appel is the team's top player and is coming off a third-place finish Saturday at the state singles meet and was named MVC Valley Division Athlete of the Year. He said he is excited for the team competition and the ability the Trojans bring to the court. West has solid players throughout the lineup, including all-conference players Blake Oetting, Karl Wenzel and brothers Adam and Ben Dellos, who were fourth in doubles at district.

“I think we have a great chance to win this year," Appel said. "Our team is very deep. Everyone is good.”

The Trojans have a strong tennis tradition with three state champions and four state runners-up in singles and three state finalists, including two title teams, in doubles. They are tied with Decorah and Valley for fifth all-time with three state team titles. The last were back-to-back titles in 2005 and 2006. West also won in 1995, but have returned since finishing second to Cedar Rapids Kennedy in 2008. West was motivated to return and contend for a title again.

“Definitely,” Appel said about the team wanting reach this meet. “There's just that push to want to get there.

“It fuels us, I guess.”

In the other semifinal, top-seeded Ames faces Bettendorf. The winner advances to the championship match against the winner of West and Valley scheduled for an hour after the conclusion of the both semifinals.