After a season of hard work and dedication, the boy tennis players showcased their strengths and determination as they played in the class 4A Region 8 Regionals.

The class 4A Region 8 Regionals took place on Thursday the 5th and Friday the 6th at Colorado Mesa University Tennis Courts. Eight teams showed up to play, which included Aspen, Basalt, Durango, Grand Junction, Central, Palmer Ridge, Steamboat Springs, and Vail Christian. After two days worth of tennis and success, the WarDogs will be sending three lines to the State Tournament. 

No. 1 Doubles, Andrew Kirschenmann and Canaan Ross have an established chemistry after returning again as a duo this season. Kirschenmann and Ross took 2nd place at Regionals after having lost to the Grand Junction Tigers in the championship match for 1st place to qualify to the State Tournament. No. 2 Doubles, Caleb Blanck and Owen Bickham, and No. 3 Doubles, Joseph Kirschenmann and Ethan Tregilgas also took 2nd place to advance to the State Tournament after losing to the Tigers. Blanck and Bickham had some great play on the court working together as partners. “Communication was good between us and we never really got down,” said Bickham. “We were playing really well.” With great fortitude, Kirschenmann and Tregilgas came together and played with aggression. “Me and Ethan played the best tennis out of the whole season and we were really motivated to win and go to state,” said Kirschenmann. “I am looking forward to playing really good teams (at state) and playing the best tennis.”

Huge congratulations to our state qualifiers. The State Championship is held at Pueblo and starts on October 12th at 8:00am. We would also like to congratulate Palisade Evan Prosser and Trevor Rund for qualifying for Fruita Monuments State Championship and to Palisade Nick Silzell for qualifying for Grand Junctions State Championship.