Season Record: 10-1
CHSAA LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

MVP - Luke Cahill & Christopher Pileggi
Scholar Athlete - Kyle Dunn

All League: Brendan Keating, Cameron Levchuck, Ronan McCormack, Tavish McNulty, Sean Moran

The Varsity boys tennis team set a goal in the beginning of the season. That goal for 2019 was to repeat as league champions.  The team accomplished their goal and finished the regular season on top with a record of 10-1 and then beat rival Chaminade in the finals for the championship title at Hofstra. Leadership, energy, hard work, and determination all around lead this team to another victory.

Head Coach Curtis Mccalla is in third year as head coach and has help lead the team to back to back titles.

n sports we all have our superstitions and things that you just don’t say out loud because you don’t want to jinx your team. That was true for Friar’s Boys Tennis Head Coach Curtis Mccalla who opened the season knowing this committed group of young men could be back to back league champions. With 12 names on the roster and two committed captains he just made sure he did not let the pressure of winning get in the way of having fun and just playing tennis.

Third year Head Mccalla, did not let it out of the bag at any time, “But I knew when this season opened that we could be back to back champions.”  Senior Captains Chris Pileggi and Tavish McNulty played hard, they made sure everyone was where they needed to be, when they were supposed to be and they kept everyone accountable. “They wanted it and when you have committed leaders it spreads, I knew it was even more possible,” said Coach Mccalla.

Not only did they have strong leaders, but going 10-1 overall proved they had a strong team. They outscored opponents 68-11 for the season. Their one loss was 3-4 to Chaminade on May 1st and with only 7 days to champs and a 7 match win streak broken you refocus quickly. They went 2-1 vs Cham this season and 2-2 last year. They ended the season on a three game win streak. “It may not seem like a lot but it’s something to keep us motivated as we look forward. I lose four seniors, but the bar has been set high,” said Mccalla.

The Friars entered leagues on May 9th knowing it was not going to be easy facing top rival Chaminade who was just coming off a 5-2 Friar lost to us two days before champs. The match opened and after the first round of singles SA was up 2-1. St. Anthony’s went on to capture the doubles 4-1, taking the CHASS League Title 5-2.

In Doubles, Junior Luke Cahill/Pileggi, Junior Cole McNulty/ Senior Marc Sherrill and Senior Brendan Hill/Junior Black Brown won their doubles to clinch the match. “We have a sound group of players like Sr. Hill who made a difference and will be missed next year. All where a key part of this team championship. I’m glad this team had the opportunity to win back to back titles together making it even better,” said Coach.

By Scoreboard Writer Jared Valuzzi  '21

AS OF 3/5 TENNIS TRYOUTS WILL BE CANCELED DUE TO WEAHTER 
MORE INFORMATION WILL BE PROVIDED OR NEXT WEEK

Tennis Tryouts for all levels

March 4-6th
Weather permitting
Make up dates TBD

Students are to meet by 2:40 pm in the front breezway (side of the main entrance of the chapel)
Coaches will meet you and go with you to the courts.

Tryouts will begin at 3:00 pm

Question please email Head Coach Curtis Mccalla at curtistennis@yahoo.com