About Boys Tennis
John Hernandez enters his second season in the lead of the boys tennis program at Ames High. In his first season, Hernandez had two players qualify for the state doubles tournament when senior Rob Arbuckle and freshman Tharun Raju qualified in substate play. In team action, the Little Cyclones upset ninth-ranked Dowling Catholic to earn a spot in the Round of 16 before bowing out. This year, Raju returns and senior Derek Peng look to be the two leaders of the boys tennis program.
Points of Pride
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Singles ChampionsThe Little Cyclones have had two singles champions all-time: Ken Donelson in 1939 followed by current girls’ head coach Timmy Ellis in 2018.
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Runner-up Singles FinishesThere have been five additional runner-up singles finishes by Ames boys tennis athletes. The seven total top-two finishes are the ninth-most in IHSAA history.
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Doubles ChampionsIn doubles, the Little Cyclones have recorded a trio of state crowns. A pair came in the 1930s with Frank Brown/Holmes Brown (1933) and Paul Moser/Lawrence Owens (1935). The most recent doubles title came in 2012 when Alex Qin and Tommy Pitcher took the crown.
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State Tournament AppearancesIn team play, the Little Cyclone boys tennis program has made 15 state tournament appearances, the fourth most of any team. Ames won the state team title in 2011.
Contact the Coach
John Hernandez
