-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Fort Dodge Boys Tennis Returning Letterwinners are, left to right, Zach Schwering, Nathan Hayes, Chris Hatton, Gage Riley Missing: Antarion Adams

Radney Roosa returns to lead the Fort Dodge boys tennis team a year after getting his feet wet as head coach.

Roosa will have 18 players to work with, including seven returning members of the team.

One of those, sophomore Daniel Leigh, is coming back after an injury.

Senior Chris Hatton, Nathan Hayes and Nathan Blocker, along with juniors Antavion Adams, Gage Riley and Zach Schwering give the Dodgers key pieces to build around.

“Our goal for the season is to continue to grow the team so we can be competitive, have fun and improve,” Roosa said. “We look to accomplish our goal by creating an environment where the student-athletes have high expectations, but enjoy tennis.”

Roosa was a three-sport standout at Eagle Grove High School. He was a team captain on the football and track team, along with a state qualifier in track.

“The expectations will be to continue to represent our community with pride and character,” he said. “As well as build on the skills to be competitive and to learn a skill that will be used throughout a lifetime.”

Hatton “finished last year strong” according to Roosa, who also pointed to newcomers Luke Vaughan and Lucas Buie as “having an impact on the varsity.”

Fort Dodge opens with six consecutive home meets starting with Spencer on Monday.

Roster

Seniors — Austin Andrews, Lorenzo Bernardi, Nathan Blocker, Chris Hatton, Nathan Hayes.

Juniors — Antavion Adams, Lucas Buie, David Folsom, Ross Halligan, Daniel Leigh, Edward Phillips-Gilbert, Ethan Recker, Gage Riley, William Roberts, Zach Schwering.

Freshmen — Alex Dohrn, Peyton Hays, Luke Vaughan.

Schedule

April 1 — Spencer; 2 — DM Roosevelt; 4 — Waukee; 9 — Urbandale; 11 — Marshalltown; 16 — Johnston; 18 — at Southeast Polk; 22 — Boone; 23 — at DM North; 25 — WDM Valley; 30 — at Mason City.

May 2 — DM East; 8 — 2A district tournament.