Net worth: Boys tennis making gains

The beat goes on for Mullen boys tennis.

Indeed, the Mustangs recent;y suffered their first loss of 2019, dropping a close 4-3 setter to perennial Class 4A power Cheyenne Mountain, but they wrapped two invitational victories around it as they head into yet another tough stretch this week.

“It’s the way to go,” Mustangs head coach Jacob Ohrman said of his team’s demanding slate.

On Friday-Saturday, Mullen tied for first with Monarch to take the Greeley West Invitational.

Leading the way were doubles players who swept all four spots. No. 1 J. P. Starkey-Tanner Amman, No. 2 Jack Barker-Coleman Guthrie, No. 3 Greg McMullan-Charlie Manta and No. 4 Kevin McGuire-Luc Caldwell were dominant.

George Henry Hanzel also won at No. 2 singles, and No. 1 Mac Caldwell and No. 3 Roman Fresquez each placed.

This was after the Cheyenne Mountain loss and the victory at the Kadet Court Kickoff Tournament.

“It didn’t go our way against Cheyenne Mountain, but it was a great match and a great measuring stick for us,” Ohrman said. “In my opinion, it’s us, Cheyenne Mountain and Niwot gunning to take the (4A) title this year.”

Injuries have made it somewhat interesting for the Mustangs, who recently lost No. 3 singles Dante Dino to a torn calf muscle.

“We’re hoping to get Dante back by regionals,” Ohrman said. “It hurts to lose a singles guy because it shifts everything.”

There may be more shifting and growing this week – the Mustangs are due road matches at Cherry Creek, the all-time leader in Colorado championships and foe in the Centennial League opener, (Tuesday, 3:45 p.m.) and Niwot, the 2018 state runner-up (Wednesday, 3:30 p.m.), before
getting into the regular league rotation.

“We’re looking forward to competing,” Ohrman said.