Third-place effort at state tournament is best showing ever for McCook Bison boys tennis team
LINCOLN -- The McCook High School boys tennis team posted its highest-ever finish at the Nebraska Class B state tournament -- a third-place showing.
The state tournament took place Thursday and Friday at Lincoln's Woods Complex.
McCook's Joetz Putz placed second in No. 2 singles and Brandon Crick placed fourth in No. 1 singles.
"I commend the team for their effort and how well they competed in Lincoln," said McCook tennis coach Matt Wiemers.
"We just came up a few matches short of placing all four teams in the semifinals. I am extremely pleased with the intensity and drive they played with. They have done that all season and they should be proud of all they have accomplished.
"Joel had a super tournament and finished the season with a 28-1 record. He was disappointed with how the championship match played out, but he got beat by a solid player. Joel has nothing to hang his head about, his season has been awesome.
"To go 3-1 at the state tournament is quite an accomplishment. He consistently earned points at every invite we played. His last win in the semifinals kept us from placing lower as a team. Joel will be missed next year.
"Brandon also had an outstanding tournament. He got to the semifinals and just got beat by a better opponent. Like Joel, Brandon was a big contributor to our success at all the invites we played in. He consistently earned points and competed against some solid teams. Brandon finished the season with a 21-8 record. We will miss Brandon next season as well. He is a great competitor."
Asher Brooks and Austin Larson went 2-1 overall in No. 2 doubles.
"They had a nice upset win against Waverly in the second round," Wiemers said. "And they had many opportunities to beat York in the quarter finals.
"All season they put themselves into a position to win matches. They have learned a lot about the game this season and had success along the way.
"They finished with a 26-12 record and earned the team 4 quality points. It will be nice to have them both back next season. They will be key contributors to our success next year.
Brad Potthoff and Brett Burton went 1-1 in No. 1 doubles and finished the season with a 29-7 record.
"They had opportunities to defeat Mount Michael in the quarter finals, but just couldn't get it done. They had an awesome season and played with alot of confidence. Brad will be missed next year, as he has been a big contributor to our programs success. Brett will be an asset to our team next season and his leadership will be helpful."
The Bison team set many records during the season.
"We finished with 12 dual wins, the lone loss was against Kearney," Wiemers said. "They were second at GNAC, the highest a McCook team has ever placed at conference.
"They won the York and Lexington invite titles and finished second at the GICC invite and second at conference.
"We scored the most points a McCook team has ever scored at state. And finished third in the team standings, the highest any team has finished.
"The team as a whole has been great to work with and we will return some good players next season. I appreciate their hard work and great memories we have shared. I look forward to this summer and having them in camp, so we can build for next season.
I want to thank the parents for their awesome support all seaon. They have been a huge help and major contributor to the teams successful season.
"I thank Brad, Brandon and Joel for their dedication and hard work throughout their careers. All three of them have been major factors to why we have been successful the past four years.
" It will be tough to replace them and all the things they have done to help the program suceed."