Coaches will often reap what they sow, and if Mark Allison of Pleasant Valley sows what he has reaped thus far, he is going to be benefiting from those seeds planted a couple years ago.

Returning to the Bears' lineup this season are junior Jon White and senior Jon Walmach. The pair of 'Jons' delved deep into the individual post-season a year ago, both as singles and a doubles tandem. With both of these talented racketeers returning, Allison hopes to have something pretty special this upcoming tennis season."There is no doubt that I am fortunate to have both Jon's back this year," Allison admits. "It is such a benefit to know that not only are they both very good singles players, but I have confidence that in a 3-3 match, that they will get us that fourth point in their number one doubles match."As Allison points out, their talent is the overriding obvious factor, when looking at the positives of having them return to the Bears' lineup. However, what it does for the other players is where the 'reaping' really benefits the entire team.With each match that passes, there is a good chance that with White and Walmach playing number one and two singles, and then teaming up for a doubles match, that three points are more often than not, going to be heading in the Pleasant Valley squad's favor.However, in the early-going, in practices, and overall attitude towards training and handling the pressure of big matches, that is where the newcomers and remaining veterans on the roster will look to the two players as models of what to do correctly."We came up a little short in winning the Mountain Valley Conference last year, so I think they come back this season with more determination," Allison said. "They both show such good leadership in leading by example on the court with their hard work and dedication. There is no doubt that the other players feed off of this and that helps to make us all a better team, overall."With nearly every team returning talent, many coaches know the rewards of having that experience back for another year of competition. However, what sets Mr. White and Mr. Walmach apart is their individual desire to consistently work on, and improve upon their games for the overall bettering of their team."They are fast becoming the most successful number one and number two players in Pleasant Valley history, in both singles and doubles," the head coach commended. "Because of those two returning, expectations are high, going into this season."As the season began, Mother Nature dealt every Spring sports team a blow and currently continues to do so with some uncooperative weather to handle. With courts covered and practice time limited, coach Allison looks to his two leaders to provide the leadership necessary to maneuver through the adversity of the weather issues.The Bears have been dealing with the problem by conducting conditioning practice sessions, along with some brief time on court at Split Rock Lodge.However, it is probably a benefit to have a roster containing this experience, so that when the seasons do finally correct themselves, the Bears can get down to business.