The Helias boys tennis team is looking for its third straight district championship this spring, but it will take several new faces for the Crusaders to continue their run.
Helias has 18 players on the roster, coming off a season where 12 of the 24 players were seniors.
"We've had a couple runs at it, we've had a couple good seasons," Helias coach Margaret Shimkus said as the Crusaders open their season today against Moberly at the Crusader Athletic Complex. " We lost four out of six on varsity, but we have five who have had varsity experience, whether it was playing in a tournament or having to step up a little bit."
Last season the Crusaders had an 11-2 record in duals, losing to eventual Class 1 state champion John Burroughs in the sectional round. Helias loses Dalton Buschjost and Tristan Grawe, who advanced to the state doubles tournament last year.
"I don't think our goal is going to be any different, it's just to go as far as we can, with whatever cards we're dealt," Shimkus said. "However it lays out, we're just going to do the best we can."
Among the top returners this season for the Crusaders are juniors Jacob Cowley and Jacob Schepers.
Schepers finished runner-up in the district singles tournament, while Cowley took second at districts in doubles play.
"They bring enthusiasm," Shimkus said. "They're both really excited about this season."
Also returning is Jack Woehr, one of four seniors on Helias' roster.
"He's very congenial and welcomes everyone to the team, and he's always been that way," Shimkus said.
Other players in the top six for the Crusaders are juniors Andrew Case and John Christianson and sophomore Justin Francka.
"All three have improved a lot over last year," Shimkus said. "I'm not sure where they're going to be (in order), but they're my 4, 5 and 6."
Shimkus said those players will be in the top six for today's match, but she isn't sure of their order in singles play. She added the same will go for doubles play.
"You have some who are just really awesome and quick at the net, and you have others who just have that ground stroke down," Shimkus said. "Some like to play the (advantage) side, some like to play the deuce side, so you've got to get that gel to make it mix.
"It'll probably be tweaked throughout the season, but we're going to start somewhere that they're comfortable."
Two brothers, junior James Rice and sophomore Jeremy Rice, will also see some varsity action this season.
"They have improved a lot," Shimkus said. "Even though they're brothers, they both bring something different with their skill levels."
The Crusaders are glad to be outside this week and practice on the tennis courts.
"It feels so different when it's 50 degrees," Shimkus said. "The balls bounce different. They just have to get used to that."
When the weather wasn't cooperative, players worked on their game inside.
"When we did our conditioning indoors, we worked on footwork and showed some videos on correct technique," Shimkus said.
Helias has made a few changes to its schedule, adding a home dual against North Kansas City and then a tournament next month in Alton, Ill.
"We've got some really good teams to face, and that's only going to make us stronger," Shimkus said.
A fifth team, Duchesne, has also been added to the Helias Invitational, which takes place April 16. Bolivar, Hickman and Missouri Military Academy are also in the tournament.
"Instead of a round-robin, we're going to do a double-elimination on each court," Shimkus said. "It should prove to be interesting and fun."
The only change to Helias' district is the addition of Salem, which makes it a six-team district. Father Tolton, Fulton, Richland and School of the Osage all return.
"We know some of the players, we've met them the last few years," Shimkus said. " But they also know us. It works both ways."
Helias will host the individual singles and doubles district tournament.