By Matt Phelps

Giving the Islanders motivation is like poking a 600-pound grizzly bear with a stick and then sticking your tongue out at him. The Mercer Island High School boys tennis team lost a league match last year, to Newport, for the first time in four years and they’re not happy about it.

“All they want to do is beat them,” said Mercer Island High School boys tennis head coach Joyce Hedlund. “They are out for blood. Last year we were too complacent and not hungry enough.”

That loss to the Knights also meant that the team broke its string of four-consecutive 3A KingCo titles.

“We really want to beat Newport this year,” said Islander Chris Winterbauer.

The Islanders will meet the Knights in a preseason match Sept. 20 at Newport. Last year the Islanders beat Newport during the preseason match and lost the regular season match.

“I think we took them too lightly last year after the preseason win,” said Hedlund. “We are going to have to play well and have desire. But I think the kids definitely have motivation.”

This year the Islanders get Newport at home during the regular season meeting Oct. 5.

“We also have a chance to win state with Lakeside losing their best players,” said Winterbauer.

One of those players was the Lions’ Peter Kung, who took the state singles title the last four years in a row. Islander senior Jeff Hammond knows Kung all too well. Hammond faced Kung numerous times during the past three postseasons and gave him some of the stiffest challenges the champion had during his run.

But neither Hammond’s health nor his luck have been consistent.

“I have just felt cursed at state the last two years,” said Hammond. “It is definitely one of my goals but it’s tough enough just to make it to districts.”

The senior has had to take himself out of the state tournament the past two years because of injuries and schedule conflicts. Last year he missed most of the regular season, including singles play during the loss to Newport, because he was sick.

“They are a legit team with a tough singles lineup but that loss just didn’t feel right,” said Hammond.

He hopes that this year it all comes together.

“He just seems happier this year,” Hedlund said of Hammond. “It has been difficult the past few times because he has never been healthy for state. If he can stay healthy, I think he is going to really come into his own.”

With Hammond and junior Chris Bailey, who has been a big postseason player the past two years, the Islanders have a hard hitting one-two punch. Bailey is a threat to take the state title in his own right.

“He is playing really well right now,” said Hammond. “State is going to be tough.”

The biggest loss from last year’s squad was team leader Chris Trippel, who unlike Hammond and Bailey, was very vocal and knew how to break the tension.

“With the boys squad you need that pizzazz,” said Hedlund.

Winterbauer and doubles partner Trevor Fulp will also look to return to state this season and improve on past performances.

“He is a lefty so we work well together,” said Winterbauer. “We just want to do better at state than last year and improve.”

Along with their goals, the tandem feel the added responsibility to help lead the younger players.

“I am not a senior but I am one step closer,” said Winterbauer. “Last year we had nine seniors, and this year we only have four, so there is a gap there that I hope we can help fill.”

Pizzazz can help when you have 80-85 kids turning out for the boys tennis team each year. This season Hedlund put a cap on tryouts at 75 boys.

Helping to get players in shape this year is a contingent of past players such as Alan Chirls, Mike Flemming and Chad Derickx. They came back during the preseason to hit with the players and give them pointers.

“It is just fun to have them back here and helping out,” said Hedlund.

Head coach: Joyce Hedlund (14 years at Mercer Island, also coaches girls squad during spring)

Assistant coach: Dave Koschiuk.

Last year’s record and accomplishments: 6-1 in league, lost KingCo title, won Kingco tournament, second at districts and state.

Key athletes not playing this season: Chris Trippel and Kai Swenson.

Key athletes this season: Jeff Hammond (Sr), Chris Bailey (Jr), Chris Winterbauer (Jr), Jordan Culpepper (Sr), Alex Knopes (Sr) and Trevor Fulp (Jr).

Key newcomers: Morgan Scott (Jr), Ryan Ellis (Sp) and Matt Ellis (Fr).

Key to a good season: Win back KingCo regular-season title.

Strength: Depth.

Weakness: Lack of time to prepare for season.

Big meets on schedule: Newport, Bellevue and Issaquah.