Iowa City West is big boys’ tennis substate favorite after perfect regular season

Marshal Moellers replaced a legend.

His first team is having a legendary season.

Moellers' Iowa City West boys’ tennis team is in the midst of one of the most dominant seasons in state history. The state's top-ranked team in Class 2A went through the regular season unbeaten, winning each dual meet by 9-0 scores.

In fact, the Trojans’ first match losses came during last Monday's district tournament when their second doubles team lost a tough semifinal match. The other loss came in the singles final when freshman Seth Smigel lost to senior teammate Luca Chackalackal, 6-1, 6-3.

West will look to keep its impressive season going Wednesday as substate finals and state quarterfinals will be held around the state in classes 2A and 1A.

The Trojans (14-0) will meet Mason City in the substate final, set for 8:30 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Tennis Center in Cedar Rapids. A win there would put them opposite the winner of the match between Cedar Rapids Washington and Cedar Rapids Jefferson, also set for 8:30 at Vets, at approximately 1 p.m.

Moellers, in his first year after serving as an assistant to Mitch Gross at West, is pleased with the success of his team, but is quick to add the Trojans are taking nothing for granted as the overwhelming favorite to advance to the state semifinals on May 31 in Ankeny.

“Every team wants to win just as badly as the next,” he said. “We recognize there is a lot of room for improvement from all our players. If we want to achieve our goals, it will require everyone’s best effort.”

West had a veteran team returning, but has received a boost from the addition of Smigel.

“We are very fortunate to have Seth on our team,” Moellers said. “Obviously, Seth is a tremendous tennis player. He brings a new experience and perspective to the team.

“I think Seth being a freshman with such a diverse set of skills has inspired many players on our team to step up their game. We are excited to see how his skills develop over the coming years.”

No. 5 Linn-Mar also will be in action at Muscatine. Coach Chris Wundram's Lions will play North Scott. A win in the match would match Linn-Mar with the winner of the dual between No. 2 Pleasant Valley and Ottumwa.

In Class 1A, top-ranked Cedar Rapids Xavier will continue its quest to defend its state title at South Tama. The Saints will meet Grinnell, then would meet the winner of a match between Boone and Fairfield Maharishi.

Marion will play in a substate final against No. 6 Decorah at Waverly. The winner of that match will meet the winner of No. 4 Dubuque Wahlert and Waverly-Shell Rock.

Class 2A substate tennis finals

Wednesday

At Veterans Memorial Tennis Center: 8:30 a.m. — No. 10 Cedar Rapids Jefferson vs. Cedar Rapids Washington; No. 8 Mason City vs. No. 1 Iowa City West

At Muscatine: 8:30 a.m. — North Scott vs. No. 5 Linn-Mar; No. 2 Pleasant Valley vs. Ottumwa

At Ames: 8:30 a.m. — Ames vs. No. 6 Marshalltown; No. 9 West Des Moines Dowling vs. No. 3 Waukee Northwest

At West Des Moines Valley: 8:30 a.m. — Johnston vs. Ankeny Centennial; Waukee vs. No. 4 West Des Moines Valley

Class 2A state tennis quarterfinals

Wednesday

At Veterans Memorial Tennis Center: 1 p.m. — Jefferson/Washington winner vs. West/Mason City winner

At Muscatine: 1 p.m. — North Scott/Linn-Mar winner vs. Pleasant Valley/Ottumwa winner

At Ames: 1 p.m. — Ames/Marshalltown winner vs. Dowling/Northwest winner

At West Des Moines Valley: 1 p.m. — Johnston/Centennial winner vs. Waukee/Valley winner

Class 1A substate tennis finals

At South Tama: 8:30 a.m. — No. 1 Cedar Rapids Xavier vs. No. 9 Grinnell; No. 7 Boone vs. Fairfield Maharishi

At Waverly: 8:30 a.m. — No. 8 Decorah vs. Marion; No. 3 Dubuque Wahlert vs. Waverly Shell-Rock

At Carroll Kuemper: 8:30 a.m. — No. 10 Estherville-Lincoln Central vs. No. 5 Denison-Schleswig; Carroll Kuemper vs. No. 4 Spencer