Kaden Timm and Brayden Thompson celebrate their 10-2 victory in #1 doubles.

The 2024 South Tama tennis season is officially underway as the Trojans faced off against the South Hardin Tigers at home last Thursday. After a successful 2023 season, South Tama brings back several of their top performers while also getting significant contributions from some new faces.

STC Senior Kaden Timm is one of those top performers, as he stepped onto the court at #1 singles on Thursday against South Hardin’s Landon Rewoldt. Timm got off to a hot start against Rewoldt and didn’t look back, as his baseline game and willingness to venture to the net led him to a dominant 10-1 victory.

At #2 singles Trojan senior Braydon Thompson faced Daniel Dolan of South Hardin. Thompson similarly to Timm got off to a quick 4-1 lead before splitting the next four games with Dolan. Leading 6-3, Thompson would go on to win the next two games to push the lead to 8-3. Thompson and Dolan would then split the final four games which carried Thompson to a comfortable 10-5 win.

One of the new faces to the STC tennis program, freshman Michael Henry, made a successful debut against South Hardin’s Ivan Klimesh at #3 singles. Henry played a dominant and consistent match as he was able to force Klimesh into multiple unforced errors. In the end Henry posted an impressive 10-0 victory over Klimesh.

At #1 doubles Timm and Thompson paired together for the Trojans to compete against Rewoldt and Dolan for South Hardin. This time around it was South Hardin’s duo that was able to find success early as they were able to get off to a 2-0 lead. But the Trojans dominant duo came storming back as Timm’s consistent serve and Thompson’s net play aided them in winning ten straight games to take the victory with a final score of 10-2.

Freshman Michael Henry had a successful debut posting a 10-0 victory at #3 singles.

South Hardin was forced to forfeit the remaining three singles and two doubles matches to South Tama which secured the 9-0 team victory for the Trojans.

After the meet, Timm gave his assessment on how the meet went and what he’s looking forward to this season.

“I think it went really well considering we haven’t had the best weather to practice. I’m proud of the newcomers for stepping up to the varsity roll so quickly,” he said. “I’m looking forward to playing all season and going for a chance to make state.”

Kaden Timm kicks off this tennis season back at the number one position for the Trojans, a familiar spot for the senior. Timm showed his experience, winning 10-1.