The Staples Motley USTA (United States Tennis Association) Junior Team Tennis participated in the recent regional championships held at the University of Minnesota Baseline Tennis Center. Pictured above, from left, are Josh Solway, Alex Renner (Park Rapids), Guthrie Coughlin, Annie Kautto, Mikayla Wing and Andrea Koskiniemi. (Submitted photo) Young tennis players from the Staples Motley area have been working hard and having a lot of fun in the process.

The student athletes participated in the Lumberjack Open in Bemidji July 31 and Aug. 1; and racked up some impressive scores.

In addition, the Staples USTA (United States Tennis Association) Jr. Team Tennis recently participated at the Baseline Tennis Center (University of Minnesota) Northern Sectional.

“In a field of twelve teams, the Cardinals squeezed into the final eight-team championship bracket by only three games,” reported Coach Kevin Coughlin.

Josh Solway (left photo) and Isabella Edin (right photo) of Staples were both runners-up at the recent Lumberjack Open Tennis Tournament in Bemidji. Solway was a runner-up in the boys 16 singles; and Edin in the girls 12 singles. Pictured with both is Scott Engelstadt, head coach at Bemidji High School for the past 17 years and the person in charge of the Lumberjack Tournament. He is retiring this year. (Submitted photo) Earlier, the Cards took second place among nine teams from northern Minnesota in the Brainerd Sectional, advancing to the regional championships at the University of Minnesota Baseline Tennis Center.

The USTA has been sponsoring Junior Team Tennis for over 10 years, offering young players an opportunity to play in team fashion that involves co-ed format, Coughlin said.

Staples Motley’s team consists of four girls, Andrea Koskiniemi, Maggie O’Keefe, Annie Kautto and Mikayla Wing; and four boys, Guthrie Coughlin, Josh Solway, Shane Suess and Alex Renner, from Park Rapids.

Grace Wolhowe (left) and Nicki Edin (right) of Staples placed third in girls 14 doubles at the recent Lumberjack Open in Bemidji. Pictured with the girls is Scott Engelstadt, head coach at Bemidji High School. (Submitted photo) Coughlin explained that each team from the Northern Section (Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Western Wisconsin) pitted boys and girls singles matches, boys and girls doubles matches and one mixed doubles match to contest the total number of games won for victory.

“That’s the beauty of this league and format,” Coughlin said. “By keeping track of games won within a match rather than match wins and losses, players are challenged to play hard for each point and game no matter the overall score. It pushes them to focus and live the process.”

Jordan Peterson, Staples, was the champion in 18 singles at the recent Lumberjack Open tournament in Bemidji. Pictured with Peterson is Scott Engelstadt, head coach at Bemidji High School. (Submitted photo) At the Baseline Tennis Center, the field turned out to be quite competitive and tough for the Cards as they were eliminated in the second round of consolations by only five games, Coach Coughlin said, adding, “Overall it was a great experience for the players as they put their best up against some great competition in an atmosphere that was invigorating.”

Meet Results

Lumberjack Open, Bemidji

Jordan Peterson, Champion, 18 singles; Josh Solway, runnerup boys 16 singles; Isabella Edin, runner-up, girls 12 singles; Nicki Edin and Grace Wolhowe, 3rd place girls 14 doubles; Guthrie Coughlin and Ben Holter (Bemidji), 3rd boys 18 doubles; Shane Suess and Austin Hirschey, Champions, boys 16 doubles. Kelsey Zetah, consolation champion, girls 14 singles.
Shane Suess (left) and Austin Hirschey (right) of Staples were champions in boys 16 doubles at the recent Lumberjack Open tournament in Bemidji. Pictured with the boys is Scott Engelstadt, head coach at Bemidji High School. (Submitted photo)