A familiar face is back to lead Sequim’s boys tennis program.

Rob Thompson, a 1991 Sequim High graduate, takes over the head coaching role for the Wolves this fall as the team looks to rebound from losing the top singles player in program history (Garrett Little) and longest-tenured head coach (Mark Textor).

“Definitely some big shoes to fill,” said Thompson, who played tennis at Sequim High and at Bellevue College.

“[A] new coach brings some fresh energy, maybe a slightly different style. They’re responding well and working hard.”

Back in the lineup and atop the player ladder is Jack Crecelius, who saw 12 singles varsity matches in 2023, as well as Lincoln Bear, who won five matches in singles and doubles combined. Also back is Mason Rapelje, who worked his way into SHS’s singles rotation last year, along with veterans Zach Post, Isaac McKeen, Ryan Stites and Wyatt Perez.

Thompson said he’s emphasizing competitions early on to keep players sharp and pushing them to vie for top-of-the-ladder spots.

Sequim Gazette file photo by Michael Dashiell Sequim’s Lincoln Bear, left, returns a volley as he takes on Port Angeles’ Carter Gunderson in a 2023 Olympic League match.

Little, now playing for the Westmont College Warriors in Santa Barbara, led a Sequim team that went 6-7 in Olympic League matches. He placed second at the state 2A tourney and finished his career with three top-three state placings. Textor, who coached the Wolves for multiple stretches over his career, retired following the 2023-24 school year.

The Wolves will likely get their toughest matches from North Kitsap (the Vikings were 10-0 in league play last fall), Port Angeles, and Bainbridge, now a 2A school this season.

Sequim was slated to open the season at home against Kingston on Sept. 10; results were not available at press time. The Wolves host North Mason on Sept. 12 and are at Bainbridge on Sept. 17.

Fall sports preview: SHS boys tennis

Head coach: Rob Thompson (first season)

2023 record: 6-7 in Olympic League matches; one singles player to state 2A tournament (second place)

Key returners: Jack Crecelius (sr.), Lincoln Bear (jr.), Mason Rapelje (so.), Zach Post (jr.), Isaac McKeen (sr.), Ryan Stites (jr.), Wyatt Perez (jr.)

Newcomers: Ian Baylon (sr.), Lucas Enges (so.), Lincoln Forrest (jr.), Ianson Klinger (fr.), Bjorn Henrickson (so.), Tegan Kurtze (so.), Noah Green (so.), Gavin DeAngelo (fr.), Aiden Connelly (fr.)

Schedule: Sept. 10 vs. Kingston; Sept. 12 vs. North Mason; Sept. 17 at Bainbridge; Sept. 19 vs. Olympic; Sept. 23 at Port Angeles; Sept. 25 at North Kitsap; Sept. 26 vs. Bremerton; Oct. 1 at Kingston; Oct. 3 at North Mason; Oct. 7 vs. Bainbridge; Oct. 10 vs. Port Angeles; Oct. 15 vs. North Kitsap; Oct. 17 at Bremerton; Oct. 25-26 at Olympic League tournament, Poulsbo.