Seniors Kyle Wettschurack (left) and Evan Miller will lead the way for a deep and talented Warsaw boys tennis team this fall (Photo by Scott Davidson)

WARSAW – There’s no shortage of confidence around the Warsaw boys tennis team this season.

That’s due in large part to the fact that there’s no shortage of talent on the Tiger roster for this fall.

Warsaw coach Rick Orban makes no bones about what his expectations are for his deep squad.

“We’re going to be good,” said Orban at a recent practice. “We are solid and deep and I like what I’ve seen. Our practices so far have been as intense as they’ve been in years.

“We are going to have a very good season if we play up to our potential. This is the best group we’ve had in years. The key is that everyone lets their egos go, embrace the position they are playing and play for the team.”

Orban has good reason to be confident.  The Tigers return four regulars from last year’s lineup that went 12-3, including a perfect 7-0 run through the Northern Lakes Conference to go with the NLC Tournament title. Warsaw dropped a 4-1 final to host Culver Academy in the regional final a year ago.

Back to lead the way for the Tigers is the 1-2 singles punch of seniors Kyle Wettschurack and Evan Miller. Wettschurack played No. 1  a year ago, while Miller was at No. 2. The third singles spot will be manned by junior Sam Rice, who played No. 1 doubles last fall.

“I expect big things from all three of those guys,” Orban said of his stellar singles lineup. “The competition between them is intense. They are all battling for positions right now and I don’t know how the lineup will end up.”

Wettschurack, one of six seniors on this year’s team, expects big things from himself and his team.

“I think we can definitely make it to State this year,” said Wettschurack. “I’m pretty confident. We’ve got a really strong singles lineup and we are deep at doubles.

“Playing No. 1 again is really important to me. I’d be like the third guy to play there for three years for Warsaw. I just want to stay mentally tough this year and finish my matches.”

Miller, who went 20-2 at No. 2 last fall, endorses his classmate to play at the top of the singles lineup.

“I’d put Kyle at No. 1,” said Miller. “He’s put in a lot of work and is a lot better than last year. He’s on top of his game.

“Anywhere they put me that helps the team is fine. This is the best team I’ve been on here. It’s about getting wins to me. Our singles should win most matches if we play to our potential.  I want to beat Penn because we have never done that and get to the Final Four.”

Orban said that there are six players in the mix to play doubles. Senior Will Petro, who played No. 2 doubles in 2012, is among the players competing for a spot. Also in the mix are senior Nicholas Schlitt, juniors Nic Jansen and Caleb Ray, sophomore Christopher Herendeen and freshman Ryan Wettschurack.

“All of them have been playing well and we’ll see,” said Orban about his doubles lineup. “It’s about finding the right mix. I do think that both of our doubles teams this year will be very good and very equal.”

Warsaw is scheduled to scrimmage Fort Wayne Carroll at home Wednesday. The Tigers host Westview to open their season Aug. 20 and have a big test versus Penn at home on Aug. 22.

“I think we are in truly good shape with the things we can control,” Orban stated. “I’m really excited about this season. I think it’s going to be fun to watch how we progress this year.”