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04/21/2018 12:00 AMThe Guilford boys’ tennis team features a boatload of experienced upperclassmen this spring, and so Head Coach Rob Messer has the luxury of trying out different players in various spots to piece together the best lineup. The Indians have jumped out to a 7-0 start and, while he knows there’s still some tinkering to be done, Messer likes the fact that he was a multitude of options.
“We are very blessed with a deep team this year. We kept everyone who came out for the team this year. Having 26 kids gives us the option to try out many different things, and we are especially tinkering in doubles,” said Messer, whose team is coming off a 17-5 campaign in 2017. “It’s been a positive culture here from day one, and we are making the best of the weather so far. We are staying focused for the second half of the season, but it’s been so far, so good.”
One part of the Indians’ lineup that remains the same is its No. 1 doubles duo of senior captains Sam Inchalik and Michael Hooker. Coach Messer said that both athletes have plenty of passion for the court and are doing a great job of handling their responsibility of leading the team.
“Sam is very athletic, also playing on the basketball team here. He played No. 1 doubles last year, and he brings a lot of energy and positivity in practices and matches. He gets guys focused and on the right track,” said Coach Messer. “Michael is an all-around great kid. He is a great role model for the kids, and his game has come a long way. Both guys show great leadership on and off the court.”
Guilford’s primary singles lineup is comprised of sophomore Gianni Esposito at the No. 1 slot, fellow sophomore Alex Kagan at No. 2, freshman Walker Mulligan as the No. 3, and senior David Mason at No. 4.
“We bounced Gianni around between No. 1 and 2 last year, but he’s our guy and a force at No. 1. He has been training year-round. He has great composure to the game,” said Messer. “Alex and Gianni push each other all year long. Alex has matured immensely, too. Walker has been around the Guilford Racquet Club and working hard. He kept shining in the first weeks of practice. David is a great player, and we are excited to have him in that pivotal role of anchor at No. 4.”
Moving back to doubles, Guilford has junior Noah Horton and freshman Nick Celotto competing in the No. 2 position this year. The No. 3 spot is still in a state of flux as the Indians have shuffled between four players: senior Joel Cimino, along with juniors Kyle Dunlop, Holden Culotta, and Erik Mastalerz.
“Noah and Nick would be No. 1 doubles on any other team. They strengthened our team as experienced players. Noah did singles and doubles in the past, and Nick also plays year-round,” Messer said. “Any combination of those four guys at No. 3 will be difficult matchups for other teams. I feel we have a solid doubles team.”
The Indians swept Lyman Hall 7-0 to begin last week on April 17, shut out Cross by that same score the following day, and then dispatched Career 6-1 on April 20. Facing Lyman Hall, the Indians’ wins came from Esposito (6-0, 6-3), Kagan (6-0, 6-0), Mulligan (6-1, 6-1), and Cimino (6-0 6-0) in singles. Double victories came by way of Inchalik and Hooker (6-1, 6-2), Dunlop and Culotta (6-2, 6-1), along with the freshman duo of Ronan McDermott and DeAngelo (6-1, 6-4).
Against Cross, Esposito (6-0, 6-0), Cimino (6-0, 6-0), sophomore Nicholas Cimino (6-1, 6-1), and DeAngelo (7-5, 6-2) prevailed in singles action. In doubles, the teams of Inchalik and Hooker, Culotta and Dunlop, and McDermott and junior James Scanlon each won by 6-0, 6-0 scores.
Fairfield Prep, Hand, and Amity have had a stranglehold on the two spots in the SCC Division I Tournament final for many years now, but the Indians are determined to break that cycle and advance to the championship match this year; they’re also vying for a top spot in the Class L State Championship. Coach Messer said that every athlete on his team must improve each day in order for Guilford to hit those targets.
“We see ourselves in the SCC final, and we want to win it. We feel we are now ready to make the commitment to be a great team with the other great teams in our division. We would also like to finish in at least the top three for Class L,” Messer said. “I just tell them to be better than they were yesterday. I am also privileged to be working with fantastic guys who do great in the classroom and community. They’ve all bought into the fact that we can be a great team.”
From the Sidelines
Rob Messer is in his third season as the head coach for the Guilford boys’ tennis team.
The Indians have never advanced to the SCC Tournament final since the conference tourney began in 2006.
The Class L State Championship will take place from Saturday, May 26 to Wednesday, May 31 at Wilton and Amity high schools, and Yale University. Guilford’s last state crown came in Class M in 2014.