JIM THORPE

Head coach - Norb LienhardAssistant coach - Janet FarraLeague - IndependentLast year's record - 8-8Key Losses - Kyle Bacher, Dalton Becker, Lou Squillace, Kyle Lawrence, Shane Bleicher-Otto, Avery MaGill, Dave CastroKey returnees - Brandon Huffman (Sr), Austin Fayler (Sr), Luke Eggert (Jr), John Lowin (Jr), Matt Miller (Jr), Roman Raytfif (Jr)Others to watch - Brett Luicana (Jr)Outlook - Leinhard said this year's team has a lot of quick learners. They will need to be since the Olympians lost their entire singles lineup from a year ago and have very little varsity experience on the roster. Leinhard said the strength of most of his players is their forehand, but improvement in backhands and serves could be a key to the team's success.Quotable - "Last year the seniors showed the underclassmen that we can win. The underclassmen worked hard and understand we can get wins under our belt. I expect them to be more consistent this year and I'm hoping they're competitive in all of the matches that we play." - Jim Thorpe head tennis coach Norb Lienhard.LEHIGHTONHead coach - David SherryAssistant coach - noneLeague - Mountain Valley ConferenceLast year's record - 2-14Key Losses - NoneKey returnees - Keegan Durishin (So), Chris Windbeck (Sr), Peter Phelan (Sr), Lauren Burrows (Sr), Emily Ceremeli (Jr).Others to watch - Haris Cokrlija (Fr)Outlook - With the return of its entire singles lineup, Lehighton should be much improved this season. Lack of depth is a concern, however.Quotable - "I'm hoping to get some wins this year. It's hard to teach tennis in a couple of weeks and the weather will make things challenging. I expect us to be very competitive this year. We have a really great group of kids who give 100% all the time. I expect to see us show great progress as the season goes on." - Lehighton head tennis coach David Sherry.PALMERTONHead coach - Alex KnollAssistant coach - noneLeague - Colonial LeagueLast year's record - 11-6Key Losses - Spencer ShigoKey returnees - Richard Roselli (junior), Seth Andress (sophomore)Others to watch - Jacob Brown, Alex Hummel, Jordan Cressman, Kristen AhnerOutlook - The Bombers are eager to learn and develop their games, but must overcome some inexperience. If the team stays mentally focused during matches and can continue to work on and improve their serving another strong season is possible.Quotable - "Last year we made district playoffs for the first time in almost a decade. The last two years we have definitely developed the program; it is much improved. Our team goal is to continue to make Palmerton proud of how our kids act on and off the tennis court. Our older kids lead by example and have invested the time into having good practices and getting better every day. " - Palmerton head tennis coach Alex Knoll.PLEASANT VALLEYHead coach - Mark AllisonAssistant coach - Ralph WeichandLeague - Mountain Valley ConferenceLast year's record - 13-3Key Losses - Jeff Olah, James OsinskiKey returnees - Jon White, Jon Walmach, Stevie Berry, Erik Ammerman, Brandon Percey, Kevin Bantel, Eric Galante.Others to watch -Outlook - The Bears return most of their starting singles and doubles players from last year's 13-3 team. Allison believes that the Bears' experience, combined with some outstanding leadership and a great work ethic, has the potential to produce another successful season.Quotable - "This may be the worst start of the season, weatherwise, in my 19 years of coaching tennis. Hopefully, that is going to change soon and we will be able to get out on the court in some nice weather. Once we do, we hope to compete for the MVC tournament and regular season titles this season, and qualify for team districts. We also hope to do well in both the district singles and doubles competitions." Pleasant Valley Head coach Mark Allison.