Trending in right direction
BUTLER TWP — Fourteen years ago, the Butler boys tennis team ruled the state.
The Golden Tornado have struggled to make an imprint in the sport since winning the PIAA title in 2010, having not qualified for the WPIAL playoffs since 2016. But that drought ended this season.
Butler finished the regular season at 5-5 — a pedestrian record on the surface — but got into the playoffs, edged Shaler, 3-2, in its first postseason match before being dispatched by powerful Upper St. Clair. The Tornado ended the season at 6-6.
“Definitely a step in the right direction,” Butler coach Conlan Walsh said. “We only have four seniors and our younger players are coming along nicely. Our two top guys really improved. I like where the program’s at right now.”
Andrew Bocci, a junior and Butler’s No. 1 singles player, was 5-3 in the regular season, 6-4 overall. No. 2 singles player Ben Busler, a senior, went 8-2 in the regular season, 9-3 overall. No. 3 singles player James Walter, a German exchange student, was 6-2 in the regular season, 7-3 overall.
“We play in one of the toughest sections in the WPIAL, so I go up against some highly-ranked players,” Bocci said. “I like that, though, because I want to see how good I can do against them.
“Even if I don’t win the match, I become a better player just from going through that experience.”
Busler and Bocci both played tennis during the winter at the Lakeview Athletic Club in Valencia during the winter months. At times, they practiced against each other.
“We had a few guys play tennis over the winter this year and it made a big difference in our team,” Busler said. “This was my second year playing at Lakeview. I know Wyatt (Morgus) played at Oxford (Athletic Club) over the winter.
“Kelley Schaukowitsch came out for the team for the first time this year and kept getting better. He helped a lot in doubles down the stretch.”
Schaukowitsch, Busler, Walter and Legend Wilkinson are the only seniors on Butler’s roster.
Bocci returns at No. 1 singles next year, but the Tornado lineup will look different behind him in 2025. Walsh still believes his team can return to postseason play.
“We had a lot of freshmen and sophomores join the team this year and they’re serious about the game,” the coach said. “They’re all coming back and I’m sure they will put in a good offseason.”
Bocci has been at No. 1 singles for Butler since his freshman year. A former swimmer, he gave up that sport before high school and joined the Butler Junior Tennis Association at age 8.
“I’ve always enjoyed tennis,” Bocci said. “I need to work on my serve more, getting it in and hitting the ball as hard as I can. My forehand and backhand have improved, but I have room to get better there as well.
“I’ve seen our younger players on the court hitting, outside of practice. That’s encouraging to me. Every young tennis player coming up through wants to play either No. 1, 2 or 3 singles. I think these guys are really reaching for that.”
Doubles players Ryan Curry and Morgus, Ryan Orsborn and Laken Whisinnand are other juniors on Butler’s roster. Sophomores include doubles player Jackson Dryden and Henry Gill while freshmen are Creedon Dalton, Landin Schooley, Jeremy Schreffler and Carson Stewart.
