By By BRUCE HIXON Sports Editor
When it comes to making out the lineup for the W.S. Neal High School tennis team this spring, coach David McCollum probably better make sure he has a good eraser.
McCollum, who has taken over for preceding coach Kraig Rittenhouse, inherits a program that won one match on both the boys and girls side last year. The girls' victory was the first in the history of the program.
Junior Tawnya Henry played in the number one position all last season and will probably start out this year in that spot.
Senior Kara Scurlock and freshman Maggie Crutchfield will probably begin the season in a battle for the number two and three positions.
That leaves the number four through six spots open.
Like the girls, the Blue Eagles also have experience back at the top of the lineup with senior Kris Andrews. Andrews usually flip-flopped between number one and two last season.
See TENNIS Page 9A
Andrews is probably the lone player who has a top six spot nailed down going into the season.
Juniors Joe and Josh Bailey are both first-year players, but they've shown some promise. Senior Brian Thousand looks to be competing for a top six spot. Michael Boyd is a freshman who has picked up the game pretty quickly. Junior Keith Douglas has a chance to be a top six player for us as well," McCollum said.
McCollum admits his teams probably have their work cut out for them once postseason arrives.
W.S. Neal Tennis Schedule
Feb. 24 Opp Away 4 p.m.
Feb. 28 Andalusia Away 3:30 p.m.
Mar. 1 Greenville Home 4 p.m.
Mar. 15 Greenville Away 4 p.m.
Mar. 24 T.R. Miller TBA 3:30 p.m.
Apr. 7 Andalusia Home 3:30 p.m.
Apr. 12 T.R. Miller TBA 3:30 p.m.
Apr. 18 Opp Home 4 p.m.
Apr. 21 T.R. Miller TBA 3:30 p.m.
Apr. 25 Girls Sectional at Point Clear
Apr. 28 Boys Sectional at Dothan