HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM: Young Saints determined to get better

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By Katherine Bauer, Xavier junior

CEDAR RAPIDS - The Xavier boys' tennis team has a unique lineup.

Besides three veterans, the varsity team welcomed four rookies this spring - freshmen Blake Magill, Charlie Esker, Grant Gibney and Ryan Jasper.

'I feel very proud to have made varsity as a freshman,' Magill said. 'It can also be intimidating sometimes, as my opponents are mainly upperclassmen and more experienced than me.'

The freshmen fill up the lower spots on the team after seniors Kyle D'Mello and Chris Schirm and juniors Ben Curley and Jack VonKampen. D'Mello and Curley, Schirm and VonKampen, and Gibney and Jasper play doubles together.

While there is a significant gap in ability and experience, the team is growing closer together and learning from each other.

'It was a little awkward at first,' Esker said, 'but we're talking to the upperclassmen more. We want to improve all our skills.'

After reaching substate last year, the team is looking forward to state this spring. The Saints lost their first three meets, but are determined to turn it around.