Boys tennis competed in the state competition in Orlando, Florida on Mon. April 25, and Tues. April 26.  After winning districts and regionals, they lost in the state semifinals 4-3.

“Next year we are coming back even stronger,” Boys tennis coach Wilson affirms. “We have a strong team of boys who are willingly to put in the work and win states.”

Boys tennis has made it to States nine times in the past ten seasons. Coach Wilson was the coach for all ten seasons as well.

“Coaching such a successful team has been an amazing experience, some of these boys know more about tennis than I do.”Wilson explained. “It’s been an honor and I’m excited for the future.”

After going 13-0 during their regular season, they were points away from taking home the state champion title. During the doubles matches, Wiregrass won one game and lost the second. That brought the team to 1-1 going into the singles matches. Two single players lost and two won, leaving the final match between Jeremy Caruso and a St. Pete player. Caruso lost in the third set tiebreaker 10-8.

“Jeremy worked so hard this season, and he was so close to winning [the match],” Freshman player Mason Caruso explained. “I know he is going to come back next year determined to win.”

The entire team will be returning next year, and Wilson is excited at their prospects. Although this team didn’t win states, they will use what they learned this year to better themselves for their final season as five of them will be seniors next year.

“I’m proud of my and my teams accomplishments this season,” junior Jeremy Caruso stated. “We played well and had a successful season, and I know we will win states next year, as long as we work hard.”