Chicago Catholic League high school boys tennis will take on a dramatically new look next year with the additions of Marmion, Montini and St. Francis. In the meantime, Fenwick will look to maintain (and perhaps even improve) its place among the CCL’s best with defending champion Loyola and St. Ignatius.
The Friars, who finished 11-8 in dual meets last season, finished third in not only the CCL but in sectional competition as well. Senior Colin Fitzpatrick, the team’s lone returning state qualifier, anchors a squad featuring several other key returners.
Senior Mike Cahill and David Hausken comprise the Friars’ No. 1 doubles team.
Only a handful of matches into the season, Hausken is already embracing the challenges that this spring will offer.
“It’s intense already,” Hausken said. “I think it’s good that we are already facing good competition.”
Sophomore Mike Prabhu is a promising newcomer to the varsity who is capable of making an immediate impact.
“The new players have been fitting in really well with the team,” Hausken said. “We haven’t really had to teach them a lot because they are already very good at what they’re doing. I don’t really think of them as underclassmen; I think of them as teammates.”
While Loyola is favored to win conference again, Fenwick and St. Ignatius have the best shot at dethroning the Ramblers.
“Having the new teams next year will definitely bring more depth to the conference,” Fenwick coach Gerard Sullivan said. “But for this year, it will be the usual suspects atop the conference in Loyola and St. Ignatius. I think our team can play those teams close this year. Hopefully, we can get back into the top two in conference.”
Along with talent, the Friars’ best attributes appear to be team chemistry and toughness.
“Companionship is one of our biggest strengths right now,” Hausken said. “We’re really scrappy and don’t want to lose. We just have to keep working hard and try our best. That’s all we can do.
“Hopefully I can help carry my team to victory and have fun while doing it.”
Senior Johnny Mullen and Cahill are Notre Dame bound while Fitzpatrick will attend USC. Hausken is considering Iowa to study engineering.
The Friars’ accomplishments in the classroom clearly trump any on-court achievements.
“These guys are academic superstars,” Sullivan said about the seniors. “That’s what I like to brag about the most about this team. They all do so well academically and have had such great careers here at Fenwick.
“I’m really glad they have made tennis part of their experience. Instead of kicking back their senior year, they are working really hard and they are making our team better. They’re the kind of Friars we can be proud of.”
