Veterans bolstering youthful Great Falls High tennis team

With a lot of youth and a new head coach, one could think the Great Falls High tennis teams are starting over.

But even with the fresh faces on the court, the Bison have plenty of veteran leadership.

Annie Simkins took over as head coach for Great Falls High this spring, but she’s plenty familiar with the program and the game. She coached tennis in Idaho in the 2000s before coming to Great Falls, serving as an assistant to former coach Jan Dodds for several seasons.

“We have a pretty young team and graduated a lot of kids last year,” Simkins said. “I’m looking forward to the next couple of years and helping develop the program.”

Leading the girls’ side is captain Delia Toon, the No. 1 singles player for Great Falls High. Toon is the leading points scorer for the Bison girls and most recently split matches Tuesday, picking up a 6-4, 6-4 victory in a dual with Havre. Toon has provided leadership not only on the court but also in helping provide guidance to younger players, Simkins said.

“She’s one of our most consistent players and I really appreciate what she can bring to some of our younger players and what she can do develop their game as well,” Simkins said.

Neva Clark is No. 2 in the singles lineup and has shown a lot of fight in matches this season, Simkins said, continually pressing forward even if she’s playing from behind.

“Neva is a backboard, she’s going to get it back every single time,” Clark said.

Emily Clark and Calissa Ward fill out the varsity lineup, with the former being a freshman who started tennis just last summer but caught on fast.

“We’ve been working with her on the fundamentals but she’s extremely coachable and when we give her direction she’s able to make the adjustment,” Simkins said.

Ward is a very consistent player and leads by example by keeping a level head during matches, Simkins said.

“She’s a calming presence,” Simkins said. “She doesn’t get frustrated. You can’t knock her off her game.”

Brehanna Kingsland and Sevyn Hocevar are the top doubles tandem for Great Falls High, having played together for several years and are in their second year on varsity. The duo has also been instrumental in helping with organizational matters for the team in their free time, Simkins said.

Cooper Reitz leads the boys’ side in the No. 1 singles slot, dropping only two games in a victory against Havre on Tuesday. Reitz brings enthusiasm and mentorship to the Bison, Simkins said,

“He brings a lot of energy to the team and we really appreciate that. He brings it at practice, he brings it when others are playing and he’s sitting on other people’s matches cheering everybody on,” Simkins said.

Chad Wyman, No. 2 in singles, is likewise a leader for Great Falls High, spreading his experience to others and taking the time to give pointers to younger players while watching other matches.

“Chad is an amazing veteran,” Simkins said. “He does a lot with other players watching other matches and talks about technical things. He’s probably the most adjustable player. His leadership is amazing as far as knowledge and support.”

Brock McAdams and Dillon Derr are both freshman in the varsity singles lineup but are both savvy players, Simkins said.

“Brock is probably one of the most athletic players on the team and one of the most consistent players as far as being able to move around,” Simkins said. “And Dillon brings a wholesomeness and consistency to the singles program.”

Billy Zaremski and Max Hale top the lineup for the Bison doubles. Zaremski is a junior but in his second year playing tennis, while Hale is a freshman.

“They’re doing really well and learning how to talk better and move better,” Simkins said. “They work well together on the court and move well together.”

Great Falls High faces off with Bozeman Gallatin and Belgrade on Saturday starting at 10 a.m. in Bozeman before hosting Helena High at noon on Tuesday at Meadow Lark Country Club and Hurd Courts before taking on Helena Capital at 2:30 p.m. at C.M. Russell High.

This article originally appeared on Great Falls Tribune: Veterans bolstering youthful Great Falls High tennis team