By By BRUCE HIXON – Sports Editor
Although Paul Smith may be a stranger to coaching tennis, the new T.R. Miller tennis coach is hardly a stranger to the game.
One thing that has made Smith's jump to tennis even easier is the fact both the Tigers and Lady Tigers have most of their lineups intact from a year ago, especially at the top of the lineup.
Seniors Catherine Stokes and Grace Miller and junior Kara Smith were fixtures in the number one, two and three spots respectively in the girls' lineup last year and they figure to hold on to those spots headed into this season.
The rest of the lineup is not as certain although junior Michelle Lewis may enter the season at number four.
The fifth and sixth spots in the lineup are up for grabs between juniors Sherrica Wesley and Reontae Powell and sophomores Nikki Chambers and Magan Oliver.
Much like the girls, the top of the boys lineup will be pretty much like it was a year where senior Hayes Martin and junior Stephen Neal played one-two respectively.
The T.R. Miller coach has a good idea who will play in the three through six spots. That group figures to come from senior Matt Jordan, juniors Karl Kast and Mitchell McMillan, and sophomore Marshall Bracken. What he does not know is the order they will play.
Sophomores Drew Lambert and Brian Oliver are also trying to work their way into the lineup.
T.R. Miller Tennis Schedule
Mar. 3 Opp Home 4:30 p.m.
Mar. 7 Andalusia Home 3:30 p.m.
Mar. 13 Opp Away 4:30p.m.
Mar. 16 W.S. Neal Home 3:30 p.m.
Mar. 23 W.S. Neal Home 3:30 p.m.
Apr. 4 W.S. Neal Home 3:30 p.m.
Apr. 11 Andalusia Away 4:30 p.m.
Apr. 13 Spanish Fort at Mobile Tennis Center 4:30 p.m.
Apr. 18 Bayside Academy Away 4:30 p.m.
Apr. 24 Girls Sectional at Point Clear
Apr. 27 Boys Sectional at Dothan