Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Team members for St. Edmond boys tennis are, front row (left to right): Caleb Mosier and Ethan Cibert. Back: Grant Anderson, Dylan Brokow, Tate Hodges, Hunter Richman and Joshua Abbiehl.

After a three-year hiatus, the St. Edmond boys tennis program returns to action this spring with seven players forming the team.

The Gaels will be coached by Shawn Neverman, who also holds that title with the girls tennis squad.

“All of these kids are new to the game,” Neverman said. “But they are coming to each practice eager to learn. We had kids in the girls program that did the same thing and now we have been able to build that up into the two-time defending North Central Conference champions.”

Sophomores Joshua Abbiehl, Dylan Brokaw, Grant Anderson and Tate Hodges are joined by freshmen Hunter Richman, Ethan Cibert and Caleb Mosier on the team’s roster.

St. Edmond last fielded a squad in 2022, going 11-4-1 while finishing second in the conference tournament and going unbeaten in NCC dual action. That group featured Joseph Li, who placed fourth in Class 1A as an individual at state tennis.

Over the years, the Gaels have won four boys state tennis titles, as Aaron Chalstrom and Mike Conlon — currently coaches for West Des Moines Dowling and Valley girls tennis programs, respectively — captured singles gold. Zach Eide and John Eide, along with Mike and Steve Huss, won state doubles crowns.

“This will be my first time coaching a boys team at St. Edmond,” Neverman said. “I’m looking forward to getting to know the boys and excited to see their growth throughout the season.”

St. Edmond opens the season on April 1 at Webster City with the first home dual set for a week later vs. Nevada. The Gaels will host the NCC Tournament on May 7 at Dodger Courts.

2025 ST. EDMOND TENNIS

Roster

Sophomores — Joshua Abbiehl, Dylan Brokaw, Grant Anderson, Tate Hodges.

Freshmen — Hunter Richman, Ethan Cibert, Caleb Mosier.

Schedule

April 1 — at Webster City; 3 — at Hampton-Dumont/CAL; 7 — at Storm Lake; 8 — Nevada; 11 — Aplington-Parkersburg; 15 — Clear Lake; 22 — at Iowa Falls-Alden; 29 — Hampton-Dumont/CAL.

May 7 — host NCC Tournament.