After the Gobbler and Lady Gobbler tennis seasons came to an end, several players stood out at District with remarkable performances.
“During the course of the season, every single Cuero tennis player medaled with a gold, silver, or bronze medal. Not many programs can say that about their players,” Coach Ed Van der Stucken said.
On April 16, the District 28-4A Tennis Championships took place in San Antonio, showcasing outstanding talent from both junior varsity and varsity players. Fans headed to the courts to support their Cuero athletes, and the competition was fierce.
In the Varsity Boys Singles category, Dreyson Knebel delivered an impressive performance to claim third place with an overall record of 3-1. His focused gameplay and strategy left his competition off balance. Not to be outdone, Spencer Pierce also represented the Gobblers well, finishing in 4th place with a commendable record of 2-2. Both Seniors showcased the competitive spirit and determination.
The Varsity Girls Singles event also featured standout performances, with Mia Salazar claiming 3rd place. She finished the tournament with a strong 3-1 record, demonstrating her tennis skills throughout her matches. Coach Edgar Vander Stucken commented on the season, “We are very proud of the advancements we’ve made over the last three full seasons. We’ve gone from 1 medalist each of the last two district tournaments to six medalists in 2025. And let’s not forget three other Top 5 finishes.” Both Salazar and Knebel earned Alternate positions for Area with their outstanding performances at District.
In the Junior Varsity Boys Singles, Logan Garcia displayed remarkable potential, securing 3rd place with a record of 3-1. His performance signals a bright future for his tennis career, and observers are keen to see how he will develop in upcoming matches. Garcia's quick reflexes and decision-making on the court made him a player to watch throughout the day.
The Junior Varsity Girls Singles event featured an exciting competition as well. Lauren Leslie-Mees captured 3rd place with an impressive 3-1 record, showcasing her flair and determination. Shauna Root also fought valiantly, finishing in 5th place with a 2-2 overall record, demonstrating the heart and passion characteristic of young athletes.
In doubles competition, the Junior Varsity Boys team of Jason Wolter and William Weismiller had a respectable showing, finishing 4th with a record of 2-2. Teamwork and communication are key in doubles, and these young men displayed solid coordination throughout their matches. JV Girls Doubles athletes Kadence Courtney and Emma Helfer emerged as consolation champions after a strong tournament, finishing at 3-1 overall. Their success is a testament to their hard work and teamwork, and they certainly left their mark on the event.
“Next year we will be adding several talented freshmen and plans are to find at least six upperclassmen to round out our doubles teams,” Van der Stucken said. “The future of tennis is bright in Cuero, as we have 19 junior high players competing in three tournaments this Spring. The expectation is that our high school team will continue to grow in size, depth, and skills.”
Fans can look forward to next season, eager to see how these promising tennis players continue to grow and compete.
