POULSBO — Sounds of rackets connecting and balls whistling through the air were the norm during the North Kitsap High School boys tennis practice Wednesday morning. It’s that time of year again as Vikings tennis head coach Jay Devries sported his infamous sunglasses during the eighth practice of the preseason.
Devries said his team is noticeably smaller this year due to the opening of Kingston High School.
“In the past we’ve had between 28-35 kids out every year, but with the split of the schools we have a much smaller team,” he said. “Right now we have 14 players on the roster.”
Despite the lack of players, Devries said this year’s team has what it takes to succeed.
“They are a great group of kids who are pleasant to be around,” he said. “One of the great things about this team is they’re self driven. They don’t need me to be on them all the time in order to get stuff done.”
The Vikings are an experienced bunch, boasting seven seniors who were on the varsity team in 2006.
“Those seven guys have played on the team together since their freshman year,” Devries said. “They’re an eclectic group who know how to play the game.”
The aim for the season is simple, he said.
“The goal for each player is to have fun and get better,” he said. “In order to get better they have to know what level they’re currently at right now and have a goal of where they want to be later in the year.”
Devries said he’s been thrilled to see his seniors embrace a leadership role during August practice sessions.
“I am proud of all the seniors. They’re taking their roles seriously and are choosing to be leaders,” he said. “They’ve been awesome so far. There’s no divergency on this team. Everyone is together.”
Vikings No. 1 doubles player Joe McBurney and No. 1 singles player Andrew Kilpatrick are two of the Vikings’ top returners.
“They both have the experience and played in a few (United States Tennis Association) summer tournaments,” Devries said. “They’re going to Arizona at the end of October for a USTA tourney.”
Kilpatrick said the Vikings will give it all they have this year.
“I think we will perform well as a team,” he said. “We may not win all of our matches but we will try as hard as we can. We don’t have as big of a team as last year.”
Kilpatrick is embracing his role as the Vikings’ No. 1 singles player.
“You kind of have the whole court to yourself,” he said. “To be a singles player you have to possess a mentality that many players might not have.”
McBurney hit the courts at the Bremerton Tennis and Athletic Club throughout the summer honing his skills and sharpening up his game.
“I played four or five times a week for three hours a day,” he said. “I’m trying to be a good role model for the rest of the team. As seniors we need to teach the younger players how to play the game.”
McBurney, who will team with Connor Gallagher on the Vikings No. 1 doubles squad, said he expects to be competitive in the always tough Narrows League.
“We just have to communicate well,” he said. “If we do that we really have a shot to compete. We can compete with the tough teams in our league.
Devries said tennis is sport where brain power triumphs against brawn (physical strength).
“Court management is important. The players who find out what their opponent doesn’t want to do and then makes them do it have a better chance of winning,” he said. “Even if the other player hits the ball hard and wails on the ball, they won’t be as effective as a smart tennis player.”