Two Panther wins at district

KNOXVILLE — Creston picked up one win each in singles and doubles at the Class 1A district tennis tournament Saturday.

Senior Wesley Wires won a tight match over Nevada’s Fischels 6-3, 4-6, 10-5 (tiebreaker) before falling in the second round to Jacob McPherren of Saydel.

The senior doubles combination of Carson Beer and Malachi Webber beat Boaz Lehman and Eric Clutts of Iowa Falls-Alden before losing to the No. 1 seeded team of Charlie LeGrand and Jacob Schmit of Cedar Rapids Xavier.

Other Panther competitors were Tim Bartlett in singles and the doubles team of Dylan Dornack and C.T. Stalker.

“It was a perfect day for the boys to compete at district tennis,” Creston coach Kevin Cooper said. “We were able to win two matches, but unfortunately we were unable to get a state qualifier. Wes was able to get a win in his first match, which ended in a tiebreaker. It was probably the longest match of the day, and it was awesome that he was able to get the win. He ended up losing to the two seed in the quarterfinals. Carson and Malachi had a great start to the day with a win, and ended up losing to the number one seeded team that became district champions.”

Cooper said it was a fulfilling season.

“This team had some ups and downs throughout the year, but they have been great to be around,” Cooper said. “Every single practice they came to the courts with the intention of improving, and that is all I can ask for as a coach.”

Class 1A District

Singles — Jack Spence (Nevada) def. Tim Bartlett (Creston), 6-0, 6-0. Wesley Wires (Creston) def. Nicholas Fischels (Nevada), 6-3, 4-6 (10-5); Jacob McPherren (Saydel) def. Wires (Creston), 6-0, 6-2.

Doubles – Carson Beer-Malachi Webber (Creston) def. Boaz Lehman-Eric Clutts (Iowa Falls-Alden), 6-1, 6-3; Charlie LeGrand-Jacob Schmit (C.R. Xavier) def. Beer-Webber (Creston), 6-0, 6-0. Damion Nowman-Leeland Timblin (Saydel) def. Dylan Dornack-C.T. Stalker (Creston), 6-0, 6-2.