MOVING ON UP?

There are eight returnees. Eight newcomers — including seven freshmen — have joined the fun. And that combination has Sauk Prairie boys tennis coach Morgan Lee awfully excited about the season that awaits. “I am very excited from what I have seen so far,” said Lee, whose team opened its season Tuesday at the Badger Challenge. “These boys are hungry and are motivated to compete to the best of their abilities.” The Eagles went 3-8 overall last season and finished fifth in the now defunct Badger West Conference. But with so many returnees — and a gifted freshman class — Sauk Prairie could be on the upswing. Senior Ayden Wildman, who played No. 1 singles last year, returns to lead the singles lineup. Sophomore Sebastian Gavol, who played No. 3 singles, and junior Charlie Endres — who played singles and doubles — also return. “I expect those three to play a lot of tough matches, but to use their experience to outlast and outwit their opponents,” Lee said.  Juniors Adam Kaukl and Boden Bruni, who both played doubles last year, are back to help anchor that area. “Adam and Boden have really intensified their playing in the off-season and I’m looking forward to seeing how they can step up this year,” Lee said.  Sophomore Wyatt Frey and senior Jackson Haake both played a number of varsity matches last year and should factor into the equation. Lee is also extremely excited about a freshman class that should provide immediate help. “Many of these freshmen are great multi-sport athletes and I’m excited to see them take on new roles amongst the team,” she said.  Like everyone else in the area, Sauk Prairie has struggled to get started due to the lousy weather. But Lee and the Eagles have been making the best of the hand they were dealt. “Despite the weather, we were able to get some practices in last week and play in some very cold and windy conditions,” she said. “This week we have been in the gym and have been able to play mini-matches while utilizing the pickleball nets and foam balls that the elementary school gym classes use.  “Even though these are not ideal conditions nor give us a perfect outlook on the team’s ability … we are excited to build off (last year) and hope to place even better than we did last year.”   SAUK PRAIRIE BOYS    TENNIS ROSTER Ayden Wildman (12) Jackson Haake (12) Charlie Endres (11) Boden Bruni (11) Adam Kaukl (11) Sebastian Gavol (10) Wyatt Frey (10) Sean Jager (10) McCaleb Fayas (10) Gavin Krueger (9) Levi Shadewald (9) Ethan Goodman (9) Reid Rinabarger (9) Logan Sorg (9) Aaron Clement (9) Noah Halverson (9)