BIG RAPIDS — Petoskey tennis coach Denny Green knows a thing or two about what a special boys tennis team looks like.
Back when the Northmen took the Division 3 state title in 2002, Green helped coach up a lot of the talent and watched them ride their wave all the way to the finals.
Since he’s been a head coach of Petoskey, Green has been able to compare and measure teams to that special group.
And, this 2024 team might just be the best he’s seen since.
“It’s been phenomenal,” Green said on the season. “I knew that this was a dream team. I was around when the team won the state title back in 2002, so I could compare how they did things, I hit with a lot of those kids back then and talent wise, this team is right up there with that group.”
That’s high praise from Green, but he’s had an up close look at this team all season.
The Northmen picked up the No. 4 ranking in Division 3 in early September and have stayed right there since – behind a collection of private schools in their usual spots.
“I knew that when we got ranked fourth early in the season, we were pretty good and, we’ve proved it,’ Green added. “We’ve won 22 matches this season. We were disappointed we didn’t win the conference but TC Central came prepared and they’re always tough.”
Athlete of the Week: Vote for the Petoskey News-Review Athlete of the Week: Oct. 7-12
Petoskey was back proving it late last week, as they claimed a D3 regional title in Big Rapids, edging the host Cardinals in a 26-18 finish, one that Green believes could have been even better.
That’s saying something considering the Northmen took five flight titles and earned another runner-up finish to add to it.
In singles, Elijah Rindfusz claimed the No. 1 singles title with a 3-0 day, while Luke Washington of No. 2 singles and Collin Brantly of No. 3 singles earned titles as well.
Brantly rolled through his bracket with straight set sweeps before battling Tyler Keillor of Ludington to a 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 win in the finals.
Rindfusz’s title came out of the No. 2 seed, upsetting No. 1 seed Caron Cole of Big Rapids in a 6-1, 6-3 finish.
In doubles, Luke Bailey and Louis Daurel claimed the No. 1 title in a 2-6, 7-5, 6-3 battle against Forest Hills Eastern’s duo. Cole Willison and Martin Howard of No. 3 doubles also earned a title for Petoskey over FHE.
Clark Tarachas and Liam Washington out of No. 2 doubles then earned a runner-up finish, falling only to FHE’s No. 1 seed.
Petoskey’s Brian Tang of No. 4 singles and Jack Dumas and Finn Clarke of No. 4 doubles also each earned a win to gain some Petoskey points.
Petoskey Feature: Petoskey's Gallert making every snap count on defense after lost season
Northmen Football: Petoskey fights harder longer to clinch Big North title over Marquette
While it’s a group of seniors leading the team – Rindfusz, Washington, Brantly, Bailey and exchange student, Daurel – Green has loved to see his underclassmen compete at the same level. It's part of what has made it such a special year.
“We’ve got young guys who are willing to compete,” he said. “They’ve followed the example of the seniors who have been here and know what it’s all about.”
In the state finals ahead, which will be played Friday and Saturday, Oct. 18-19 at Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood, the Northmen will have five flights seeded, which include No. 3 and No. 4 singles, along with No. 1, 2 and 3 doubles.
Green knows it’ll be a challenge to knock off the private powers at the top, but they’ll head in with their goals loaded up and willing to take a shot.
“If we just play the way we’ve been playing, we’ll be fine,” Green added. “We’re planning to be there Saturday, which is special. I think it’s doable, we’ve just got to play well.”
Contact or send game stats/info to Sports Editor Drew Kochanny at dkochanny@petoskeynews.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DrewKochanny, and Instagram, @drewkochanny
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Special Petoskey tennis team ready to take on states after D3 regional title
Local News
Comments / 0