Senior members of the Coalers Boys Tennis Team were recognized during Senior Night activities on May 8. Honored for their commitment and contributions to the program were—Sam Sterba, Hunter Nettles, Trevor Perino, Will Thompson and Anthony Aultz.
Sam Sterba is a three year member of the Coalers Tennis Team and is a player with a lot of hustle and effort. “I remember watching numerous singles matches from previous years and this year and he always plays points as if it was the last one,” Coach Jeremy Unger said. The coach also noted Sam has an upbeat personality and is the entertainer of the team. Sam also played soccer for the Coalers. His future plans are to pursue a career through Local 150. He was escorted on Senior Night by his parents, Molly and Berry Sterba.
Hunter Nettles is in his second year of Coaler Tennis and is regarded as one of the standout players for the junior varsity team. “Hunter has played the number one singles spot this season, and he has absolutely stepped up to the challenge. He’s improved tremendously—especially when it comes to his serve and forehand, which have both become real weapons on the court,” said Coach Mark Fiske. Hunter has also participated in Coalers Golf, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and Ping Pong Club. He will be continuing his education at Drake University for pre-med. Escorting him on Senior Night were his parents, Michelle and Ben Nettles.
Trevor Perino is a two year tennis player and has been an important part of this year's team, “not just for what he brings to the tennis court, but for who he is off the court as well,” Coach Mark Fiske said. He is regarded as a student-athlete who brings energy, intelligence and a great attitude to the game and everything he does. Trevor was a part of the Coalers Golf Team in the fall and has participated in Scholastic Bowl, Future Business Leaders of America, and Spanish Honor Society. He will be attending the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs to study aerospace engineering. On Senior Night he was accompanied by his dad, Darryl Perino.
Will Thompson is a three year member of the Coalers Tennis Team and this year, his coach says, has been a roller coaster. “He started the season in the top eight, fell out of the top eight and has fought his way back into the top six. “He is not a man of many words, but his actions on and off the court speak volumes,” Coach Jeremy Unger said, adding he is a player who has improved his serve, forehand and volleys. As a Coaler, Will has participated in basketball, Racket Club and Ping Pong Club. He will be attending Bradley University majoring in civil engineering. Escorting Will on Senior Night was his mom, Carla Thompson.
Anthony Aultz has been a key part of the Coaler Tennis Team both on the court and as a great teammate for two years. “Anthony brings his own style to everything he does—he rocks the headband, flows with the long hair, and yes, he’s definitely our resident metalhead. But beneath that rocker vibe is someone who’s kind, thoughtful, and always respectful,” Coach Mark Fiske said. Anthony has developed his game over the past two years showing growth on the court with solid and reliable skills. Anthony’s plans are to attend culinary school and one day have his own restaurant, and his coach has no doubt that dream will be reality. During his time as a Coaler, Anthony also participated in Scholastic Bowl and National Honor Society. He was escorted on Senior Night by Mary Ann Eikey and Troy Aultz.