BY ED DAVIS
Clarkston News Sports Writer
They’re going through growing pains.
With only one senior returning this year for the Clarkston varsity boys tennis team, coach Chas Claus knew his team would face an uphill climb early this season. The end results therefore have not been a surprise.
The Wolves returned from spring break last week and faced some stiff competition in the form of Farmington. Clarkston fell 7-1 with the lone Wolf win coming from the no. 4 doubles team of Erik Maesch and Zach McDonald. Claus said his team’s next best chance for a win came from the no. 1 doubles team of Paul Gunckle and Paul Chun who fell in three sets.
‘You never plan to lose, but we’re young and we’re learning. We want to get this thing turned around as quickly as possible,? Claus said.
Earlier this season, the Wolves fell to Rochester and let one get away against, what Claus called, a beatable Lake Orion team.
‘Farmington is a good club, but I don’t think we played all that well with the exception of our four doubles team,? he said. ‘I think Farmington and Rochester were probably both better than us talent wise, but the Orion match is one that we could’ve won.?
One of Clarkston’s better players this season has been no. 1 singles junior Amit Surapaneni, who won his match against the Dragons 6-3, 6-2.
‘He’s played well for us so far this year and has made a lot of progress I think,? Claus said. ‘He’s matured as a player for us.?
Also earning praise for his effort against the Dragons was no. 2 singles player junior Justin Roderick.
‘He really fought back in a match that I think a year ago he might have not battled through. I was really encouraged to see that from him,? Claus said.
The Wolves resume action April 29 at Stoney Creek at 4 p.m., who Claus said will serve as another good challenge for his club.
‘For a new school, I think they have a good foundation to build from,? he said.
The OAA league tournament is set for May 13.