The Iowa Central tennis squads will compete against the best of the best in NJCAA over the next two weeks.

Up first will be the Triton women, who head to Tyler, Texas for the NJCAA Div. I Championship beginning Sunday. The Iowa Central men play May 13-17 in Tucson, Ariz.

Nearly 80 programs compete in tennis at the NJCAA level, with the Top-25 earning spots at nationals. All 12 Tritons will be playing in singles and doubles.

“This has been an incredibly rewarding year for Triton tennis,” ICCC head coach Jerry Thor said. “We are thrilled to once again have the opportunity to do it on the national stage.”

Iowa Central is the only Region XI program that competes in tennis. They also had success against Minnesota and Illinois programs this year, which marked a key stretch for the growth of Thor’s squads.

“Any time we play those border battles, we feel the responsibility to represent not only Iowa Central, but the state as a whole,” he said.

The women’s team includes former St. Edmond standout Molly Lennon, Maegan Connor, Paulina Jankun and Dayana Ortega. The men’s squad features Sacha Colomban, Cliff Dwyer, Gustavo Nomura, Ruu Pultz, Colten Way, Harrison Zammit and Nicolas Zumba.

Tyler swept both the men’s and women’s team titles last season. The Triton men placed 13th overall and the women were 17th.

“Our goal for the event is to play our best when our best is needed,” Thor said. “This group has worked hard all year to make the most of their talent, and like any major sporting event, this tournament promises to be unpredictable.

“But what I do know for certain is these Tritons will be prepared for battle, compete with class, and have the experience of a lifetime representing our community in the Navy and White.”

During the year, the Triton women went 6-3 in duals with the men sporting a record of 13-8-1.

Thor is a former competitor himself at the NJCAA national level for Moraine Valley. He has also coached at Eastern Florida State College, Niagara University and Seward County Community College.