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Eric Modracek has Cedar Rapids Prairie boys’ tennis moving up
Hawks are 5-0 overall after 2 impressive wins this week over Cedar Rapids Xavier and Iowa City West
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CEDAR RAPIDS — Eric Modracek remembers the days when it didn't take a lot to beat his boys’ tennis teams at Cedar Rapids Prairie.
For the 23 years, Modracek has led the program, there have been some lean times.
"I’ve been coaching the team for a while," Modracek said. "There were years in the past when the best teams in the state would use our meet as a way to work on things, or play some JV players in the starting lineup."
Those days are distant memories.
The 2025 version of the Hawks are ranked No. 4 in the latest Iowa High School Tennis poll and is in the midst of its biggest week of meets in recent memory.
On Tuesday, Prairie moved to 4-0 with an impressive, 6-3, win over Class 1A No. 1 Cedar Rapids Xavier. On Thursday, the Hawks toppled Class 2A No. 3 Iowa City West, 5-4.
"The fact we are getting their best shot now is exciting," Modracek said of this week's matches. “(Whether) win or lose this week, the fact we are competing with the best and taking the meet into doubles and making a match out of it really is meaningful."
It doesn't hurt that Modracek has a pair of brothers who are among the state's best singles players. Senior Anthony Schulte is the top-ranked singles player in Class 2A. On Tuesday, he squared off with Xavier's Charlie LeGrand, the top-ranked 1A player, and rolled to a 6-1, 6-0 win.
Schulte's brother Dylan is just a freshman, but has been playing like a veteran to start his career. He is ranked fourth in Class 2A singles and was a 6-1, 6-1 winner over Jacob Schmit in the No. 2 singles match. The Schultes then combined to top LeGrand and Schmit in No. 1 doubles, 6-3, 6-1.
Modracek said the Hawks are far from a two-man team.
"A lot of people will point to the fact we have the Schultes as to why we are successful," he said. "What makes this year special is the lineup is rounded out with three other returning varsity players and another promising freshman.
"We have really been building towards this year for a while. The rest of the team has put in the time all year to be ready for the moment. So far every player has contributed which is awesome."
Seniors Michael Day and Chase Beightler, along with junior Carson Sorg were varsity starters last season. Freshman Brandon Smith also has joined the lineup, giving Prairie a strong group from top to bottom.
Even with a veteran group, Modracek knows much of the focus will be on the Schulte brothers. The veteran coach admits he does worry about the high expectations and the pressure they may put on themselves.
"We counter that by working on efficient practice time and bringing a relaxed, fun atmosphere to our day to day," he said. "That never changes if we are 0-14 or 14-0 in conference. Win or lose, big meet or regular meet, we remain even keeled and have a good time.
"I always remind them that you only get to play high school team sports once in your life, so remember to enjoy every minute of it.“
One memory Modracek would like to see his players experience is a 2A state tournament berth.
"Our goal is to qualify for the state team tournament for the first time ever," he said. "It won’t be easy but this is a great group of guys. We’ll give it our best shot. I’m just trying to savor every moment."
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