New coach guides Cardinal boys’ tennis team in 2016

Raising the level of competitiveness across the board for Newton High boys’ tennis players is a focus for first-year head coach John Bieber. Bieber has seven returners from the 2015 team and seven newcomers for the 2016 edition of Cardinal boys’ tennis.

“Historically, this team has not been the most competitive in the conference, so we’re looking to begin that change this season,” Bieber said “This team has an excellent group of upperclassmen, who have already proven to be excellent leaders to help develop younger players.”

Bieber is in his first year teaching science at Newton High School. He grew up in Cherokee, graduating from Washington High School.

Bieber played tennis for Buena Vista University at Storm Lake. He played singles and doubles for the Beavers.

Returning for the Cardinals this season are seniors Nick Geerlings, Jonah Keeton, Michael McKinney, juniors Seamus VandeMore and Reid Miller and sophomores Noah Peterson and Lucas Clayton.

Joining the Cardinal ranks for the first time are seniors Jake Bennett and Bryan McMahon, juniors Nathan Warren and Nick VerSteeg, sophomore Grant Hamand and freshmen Collin Hemann and Brady Eberline.

Bieber said the players have been very committed and ready to go since preseason open court. He said during practices they have proven to be a very coachable team and are advancing quickly.

“This is a very tight-knit group,” Bieber said. “There are a lot of newcomers, which has been great for the program. Tennis has a quick turnaround between practices starting and matches beginning.”

Newton opens the season with two non-conference matches on the road at Marshalltown Tuesday and Boone on April 7.

The Cardinals begin Little Hawkeye Conference play April 12 at home against Grinnell.

Contact Jocelyn Sheets at
641-792-3121 ext. 6535 or jsheets@newtondailynews.com