Boys tennis season preview

In the past decade, University's boys tennis team has appeared in seven CIF finals, including three in a row and last year's championship.

It's little surprise that the Trojans are tops in the county once more and contenders for another title.

Trojans coach John Kessler has done his part in creating the culture for success. He has pros hit with his players some days, a sports psychologists work with them on others and a physical trainer in between.

"He has done a good job with the program," Trojans No. 1 singles player John Huang said. "He makes people want to join."

University had over 80 players tryout for the team. Getting a turnout like that has been the foundation of the Trojans success, Kessler said.

"No doubt you have to have the talent," he said. "We have been very fortunate. We have a lot of very good players and you need that at the core to have a good program. Clearly we are lucky to get good players.

"We also expect to be successful. The players understand that coming onto the court and they are expected to work hard."

Kessler's luck has included landing players like Huang, Matt Siow and Michael Tang, all who are expected to make major contributions to the Trojans this year.

Huang said players have no choice but to put in the required effort if they want to play for the school. With so many players wanting to participate, slacking off isn't an option.

"Someone else is there to take your spot," Huang said. "You have to really want it. The season is about getting better and everyone works hard.

"I think we have a really deep team and that's definitely a positive for us."

The latest example of the program working is freshman Reo Asami. Kessler calls his movement effortless and his play incredible. Newcomers like Asami are bad news for the rest of the county, evidence the program isn't slowing down.

"The only question is how much will we have him," Kessler said of Asami. "He has so many commitments."

While University may be a step above the next tier of county teams, Mater Dei and Corona del Mar will look to push the Trojans. The Monarchs return singles standouts Chris Freeman and Charlie Alvarado, while the Sea Kings have Ryan Peyton and Shane Korber returning.

The remaining teams are closely bunched in terms of caliber. Teams like Northwood, Dana Hills and Troy figure to be players in the county scene. Another, Villa Park, is quickly ascending into a team-to-watch category.

Spartans coach Mike Lee has his squad regulars in the playoffs after a long hiatus. Villa Park missed the postseason for 10 consecutive years before making it in 2007 and 2008. Lee enters his fourth season and is optimistic about his team's chances as the two-time defending Century League champions.

"We have the same players returning, but the difference this year will be the experience our four freshmen boys gained," Lee said. "They are bigger and stronger and we as a team work hard everyday year around."

The teams are destined to get sorted out as the season plays out, and it might happen sooner than later. The top teams waste no time facing off. Corona del Mar and Mater Dei have played already, as have Dana Hills and Northwood. Matches coming up feature Los Alamitos and Dana Hills and Mater Dei and University in the second week.

It's going to be a wild ride, but there's one smooth road to success and sometimes it takes a little luck getting there.

"Ultimately, you need the top horses to go far," Kessler said.

Contact the writer: ctobolski@ocregister.com