West coach Ed Thomas admits he was confident the Panthers would win the 4A boys tennis championship last year. Twelve months later, he forecasts a tight battle with Timpview when the 1997 tournament unfolds Friday and Saturday at Liberty Park.
"I would say it's going to be close, real close," he said. "It's just going to be a dogfight with a little luck affecting things along the way."Timpview senior standout Nick Losee, who is expected to repeat as No. 1 singles champion, leads the Thunderbirds against the defending champion Panthers.
West lost both of its doubles teams to graduation, but returns all three singles players, including two state champions and a runner-up.
Ian Tomb lost to Losee in the top singles finale, while Tim Burrell (No. 2) and Kaisor Chaichana (No. 3) captured first-place finishes. The trio headline a state tournament cast that includes both doubles squads - Trevor Lindsey and Greg Burrell at No. 1 and Zach Zavodni and Rick Hansen at No. 2.
Play begins at 9 a.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday. Championship matches will follow at 2 p.m.
3A CHAMPIONSHIP: Park City and Dixie shared first-place honors last season and will look to retain their top level status Saturday at Brigham Young University. Play begins at 8:30 a.m.
The Flyers have claimed at least a share of the past three 3A crowns, while the Miners secured a top finish for the first-time ever.