COACH TALK: Ellwood Tennis Looking To Build; Runners Look For Continued Success in Track & Field

Ellwood City Tennis will feature many new players this year and will be developing according to head coach John DiBuono.

“We are rebuilding this year,” said DiBuono. “We have a good group of boys this season that are willing to learn the game of tennis. Our goal is to work hard and try to improve each day.”

Seniors Max Kuffer, Devin Lust, and Tanner Tomak will look to lead the Wolverines.

“Time will tell on how we develop.”

Covid put a damper on play last year as the team had one week of practice and then the season was shut down.

“I felt bad that the players lost a whole season of play,” said DiBuono.

After its first victory on the season Monday over Ambridge Ellwood City tennis (1-2 overall) will next play at home versus Mars Area on Wednesday, March 31st and later, on Tuesday April 6th versus Beaver Falls at the Ewing Park Tennis Courts.

For track & field head coach Tom Natale, leaning on his runners from the cross country team will be vital this year.

“I’m looking to those guys to continue with their success this spring and, as long as we can stay healthy, I feel that group will continue to be competitive.”

The cross country team won the section and were 3rd overall in the WPIAL Class A last fall.

Many of them have been running all winter according to Natale but the track and field team will need more of an output this spring as there are 18 events to cover in each meet.

“Our numbers are down this year, and as a team, we need to determine the best fit for each individual,” said Natale. “Due to the overall size of the team this year, I can’t make too many predictions regarding overall outcomes of meets, but I do believe we will have some strong performances from our veteran athletes and in the longer relays.”

Ellwood City Track & Field next travels to Riverside for a meet on Tuesday, April 6th before returning home for a meet on Tuesday, April 13th with Beaver Falls and Neshannock at Helling Stadium.