For many high school coaches — for obvious reasons — this spring is like starting from scratch.

That’s especially true for the Park boys’ tennis team.

Boys tennis coach Tony Townsend, now in his 21st year of coaching Park tennis, including the last 11 as the head coach, will welcome almost an entirely new team this spring.

“We’re in a rebuilding year,” said Townsend. “We had 17 seniors last year in a season that never happened. We had a really nice class, one of the top classes.”

All those seniors have moved on however, and most of this year’s team is made up of younger players.

“We have some nice young talent,” Townsend said. “But they’re young, eighth, ninth graders and a few sophomore. It will take us a year or two to get back to our usual numbers and usual competitiveness.”

Leading Park will be sophomore Anthony Pomerleau, who two seasons ago played at No. 3 and No. 4 singles. He’ll play No. 1 singles this spring.

Freshman Caleb Swegert is the likely No. 2 singles player after bouncing back and forth between varsity and junior varsity two seasons ago.

The top doubles team – Noah Holmgren and Tom Lucas — are both extremely new to the Park tennis scene.

Townsend’s hopes for this season are for his players to gain experience and grow their games.

“We need to work on keeping a good attitude and effort and not getting frustrated,” Townsend said. “It’s a great tennis conference. We need to stay positive and continue to build throughout the year. They realize that. And we’ll work our tails off.”

Covid restrictions hit Park a little differently than many sports this spring. Because singles play is considering more of an individual sport, players will not have to wear masks. Doubles players will be required.

Boys’ tennis is the first Park team to begin competition this spring, beginning with three homes matches this week. Park opens against St. Paul Johnson on Monday, April 5, hosts Tartan Wednesday, April 7 and Mounds View on Thursday, April 8.

“We’re glad we’re playing,” said Townsend.