Things are looking up this fall and far beyond for the Mount Si boys tennis team.

Now in his fourth year as coach, head coach Jim Gibowski has six returners from 2010. Sophomore Camden Foucht is expected to hold the number one singles spot, followed by junior Josh Hamann at number two. Senior Azhar Khandekar should hold the number three singles spot, with Nate Popp claiming fourth.

A tennis vet since elementary school days, Foucht enjoys the experience of tennis.

“You get to play different people, there are different ways to play,” he said.

On doubles, Matthew Griffin, a freshman, and Jake Miller, a senior, should lead, followed by seniors Alex Pease and Jake Rouches.

On doubles, Rouches and Pease “play so well together,” Gibowski said. “They communicate well, they’re kamikaze guys, they’re fearless.”

The top doubles players could fight for the singles and challenge spots.

“That’s nice,” the coach said. “That means I’ve got some depth on this team, more this year than last year.”

“It’s going to be even better next year,” Gibowski said.

He predicts long-term growth for Hamann and Foucht.

“I have a lot of freshmen and sophomores, and they’re going to be better, too.

Gibowski is planning a September evening showcase with Bear Creek, a private school in Redmond. The match gives Mount Si tennis a chance to host its first “weeknight lights” expo.

Two years ago, Kingco rules were changed to forbid players from playing doubles and singles in the same match.

Before, “One or two guys really dominated the outcome,” Gibowski said.

Singles can be dominated in the league by older players. Now, with a wider field, more players have the chance to compete and grow.

“Sometimes, the best way we can compete is in our doubles,” Gibowski said. Number ones and twos are often challenging. But the junior pairings and contests give younger players an opening.

“As we get more players out, better quality players, we’re going to start competing from the third and second doubles,” the coach said.

Tennis philosophy

Tennis is growing as a sport in the Valley. Gibowski had a strong turnout with 31 players this fall.

“That might be a sign,” he said. Some folks might see tennis as safer than contact sports. Gibowski, who has played many sports, sees it as a mental one.

“Tennis is a lot like chess,” he said. “It’s one on one.”

The game is tough for younger players, who can lose a match and then lose heart.

“You get beat in football, you suffer together,” he said. “Tennis, you suffer on your own. You win, it’s the opposite.”

“I tell our guys, don’t hang your head. You’re Mount Si guys. We’re all pulling for you. Hustle, do your best and hold your head high.”