Here’s a look at the season ahead for the Streator and Ottawa boys tennis programs.
Ottawa Pirates
Coach: Matt Gross (26th season)
Last season: 12-11 dual record
Top returning players: Ayden Sexton, sr.; Kaden Araujo, sr.
Top newcomers: Gabe Zeglis, jr.; Eli Jeppson, jr.; Hendrix Link, jr.; Bentley Thumm, so.; Ian Fulkerson, jr.; Noah Logan, sr.; Reed McGrath, jr.; Charlie Thiry, sr.; Logan Walker, jr.
Worth noting: The Pirates sent another doubles team (Noah Gross and Evan Krafft) to state last spring, and now will turn to Sexton, Araujo and what looks to be a balanced varsity roster to continue the program’s decades-long run of success. Araujo and Sexton saw time playing both singles and doubles in 2025 and are expected to split time again before settling in where they can lead best. “Ayden and Kaden will be at the top of our lineup,” Coach Gross said. “I think they will play both singles and doubles. After that, we’ll see where guys land. Thankfully, it’s early enough that there are plenty of matches for guys to work their way up, down and into the lineup.” Early projections suggest Zeglis and Jeppson, like Araujo and Sexton, will probably switch between singles and doubles play early in the season. Link has been looking more like a doubles player, and Thumm is more likely to man a singles spot. “We have a great group of guys whose games are very close in level,” Coach Gross said. “I think this will add to the level of competition amongst them all and will make us better as a group as the season continues. Handling the highs and lows of competition is something I’d like all of the guys to improve. We’ll also be working on all of the little things that go into playing well every day, like footwork and high percentage play. … We’re excited for the season to get going and for us to be outside consistently.”
Streator Bulldogs
Coach: Mark Yanek (1st season)
Last season: 2-10 dual record
Top returning players: Lucas Gutierrez, so.; Jacob Wang, so.; Quinn Baron, so.
Top newcomers: Zachary Minick, fr.; Avery Missel, fr.; Joshua Abbott, fr.; Daxton Crater, fr.; Jack Rees, fr.; Brian Sims, fr.; Ryker Deardurff, fr.; Noah Thomas, fr.