Metamora, Dunlap sending big numbers to state tennis championships
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — A pair of area schools are hoping to show the rest of the state the tennis in central Illinois is pretty good.
Dunlap and Metamora each won sectional championships last weekend and are sending six players apiece to this week's state tennis meet.
'It's so exciting. This is what we have worked for all year, to get all six guys (to state),' said Metamora senior Adam Culp. 'It's such a great feeling to have everybody going to state.'
Culp is paired with Tommy Sopko on Metamora's top doubles team heading to the state meet in suburban Chicago. They hope to hold their own against the typically-strong schools from the northern part of the state.
'Individually, we've done great. But as a team also, we were 23-2, I think,' Sopko said. 'It's always great to have good results as a team. A really successful season, I'd say.'
Metamora opened the season with 19 consecutive wins and continues to ride that momentum as the season comes to an end at the state championships. Qualifying six players for the state meet is a part of that.
'The support you get from having six guys there, is something special,' said Metamora junior Dane Hutchison. 'Cheering, having them cheer for you, watching them compete at a very high level and have success, is something we can be proud of.'
Dunlap's six state qualifiers include seniors Alex Fei and Ethan McRaven, who are undefeated as a doubles team this season. McRaven, who teamed with ____ to finish second at state a year ago, has enjoyed his pairing with Fei.
'He's going to hit a great ball and get me back in my groove,' McRaven said. 'This weekend I feel great about our chances. I came up just short last year. But this year I feel like I have learned a lot more, I have matured as a tennis player and I'm feeling great about our chances.'
This will be Fei's fourth trip to state but in the previous three trips he was in the single's draw.
'The last three years I have been through singles, although doubles is a different type of effort,' Fei said. 'I find it easier on my body than singles.'
The state meet runs Thursday through Saturday at Palatine High School.
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