Mustangs still in boys tennis chase ... just barely

By Neil H. Devlin, Mullen Sports Information Director
Mustangs in finals at 5-of-7 spots and require a little extra help.

They made quite a run at it and need to take care of their own business as well as get help from a couple of spots.

In a nutshell, it describes Mullen’s position after two days and multiple rounds in the Class 4A boys tennis tournament being held at Pueblo City Park.

Here’s the deal – Mullen has entries in five of the seven spots in the finals. It trails usual power Cheyenne Mountain 69-54. The maximum number of points the Mustangs can attain on Saturday – rounds will include championships and consolations – is 15, which would forge a tie.

Hence, Cheyenne Mountain needs only one point to secure its first title in eight years. And the Mustangs will go head-to-head with the Indians at three of the positions and hope for help in the other two.

For the Mustangs in the finals, George Henry Hanzel, a junior, will take on Cheyenne Mountain senior Paul Jones.

The rest of Mullen’s hopes lie in doubles, which have provided the necessary depth to challenge.
At No. 1, it will be J.P. Starkey-Tanner Amman against Kent Denver’s Jack Domich-Casey Klutznick. Mullen’s Jack Barker-Coleman Guthrie will meet Cheyenne Mountain’s Robbie Metz-Jackson Miller at No. 2. The duo of Greg McMullan-Charlie Manta has a date with Cheyenne Mountain’s Joseph Martensen-Miles Wagner at No. 3. And at No. 4, it’s Luc Caldwell-Kevin McGuire against Kent Denver’s Drew Fenton-Sam McDonald.

Mullen didn’t qualify at No. 3 singles – Dante Dino suffered injriries to both calves – and No. 1 player Mac Caldwell, so strong all season, was unable to advance to the third-place match.

Matches will begin Saturday at 9 a.m.
 
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