South boys tennis returns core players
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

R.J. Grampp is the Williamsville South boys tennis team's first singles player for the third consecutive year. The junior is also the team captain.

Williamsville South coach Richard Phillips has no idea why roster numbers are up for the Billies' boys tennis team, but he isn't complaining.

Last year, South only had 10 students on the team. The 2008 Billies' roster is 24 players deep.

While there are a number of new faces on the roster, the returning core is still intact, led by junior R.J. Grampp. Grampp is back at first singles for the third consecutive year. Grampp is 3-0 so far this season.

"R.J. is an excellent athlete who doesn't play much tennis in the offseason," said Phillips. "As the season moves on, I'm sure he'll improve a great deal. He chases everything down and is a great defender. He also is starting to win more points at net."

Grampp is also the team captain.

"I think that his never-give-up attitude and experience on the team are valuable assets," said Phillips.

Also returning is junior Greg Potter, who moves from third to second singles.

"Greg is another good athlete that doesn't play much tennis in the offseason," said Phillips. "He was last year's MVP and had the best record on the team. Again, I expect him to improve as the season progresses."

Junior Brian Zaprowski, who played last year at first doubles, starts at third singles.

"Brian is a steady player with an unorthodox style," said Phillips. "He has a powerful two-handed forehand from the right side and a second left-handed forehand from the left side. It's confusing to opposing players."

Sophomore Doug Bounds and senior Joe Paul will start at first doubles. Senior first-year player Trevor Lawler and freshman Joe Putrelo, who saw time at second doubles, start at second doubles.

Phillips said Bounds has a strong two-handed backhand shot and Paul has a strong forehand and covers the court well; Putrelo is a steady baseline player with a good, low bouncing serve and Lawler is a good net player.

Phillips also said the third doubles team of freshman Harrison Sinatra (played some second doubles last year) and freshman newcomer Alex Podgorsak and the fourth doubles team of junior Alex Miller (played some matches last year at second doubles) and sophomore newcomer Brendan Lawler will see action as well.

South finished 6-6 in ECIC Division II last year but has won its first two league matches since moving down to ECIC III. It is the first time in three years that South has been in ECIC III. Phillips sees Amherst and Starpoint as tough opponents.

Phillips thinks his team can have a winning record.

"I think that we will win in a variety of ways," said Phillips. "Our doubles teams are close in ability level, and we have a number of good subs to bring in when needed."

Phillips also wants some of his players to qualify for sectionals.
South 2008 Schedule
4-21 Cheektowaga ...................................... 4:30 p.m.
4-22 Starpoint.............................................. 4:30 p.m.
4-23 at Pioneer............................................ 4:30 p.m.
4-28 at Amherst .......................................... 4:30 p.m.
5-1 at Maryvale ........................................... 4:30 p.m.
5-2 at Depew ............................................... 4:30 p.m.
5-5 Maryvale ................................................ 4:30 p.m.
5-6 Amherst ................................................. 4:30 p.m.
5-7 at Cheektowaga ................................... 4:30 p.m.
5-9 Pioneer .................................................. 4:30 p.m.