‘Jackets try to regain NLL title (03-25-14)

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Perrysburg’s Troy Weider
returns the ball during practice at the Perrysburg Tennis Center. (Photo: J.D.
Pooley/Sentinel-Tribune)

PERRYSBURG – The boys tennis program at Perrysburg High School has arguably the most successful Northern
Lakes League program over the last 20 years.
The Yellow Jackets have captured an estimated 12 NLL titles in that time span, according to fourth-year
tennis coach Mark Weider.
But Perrysburg, even with the state’s best singles player, failed to capture that championship a year
ago. In fact, the ‘Jackets are in the midst of a two-year title drought.
Perrysburg last won an NLL title is 2011 before placing second in each of the last two years. Now the
‘Jackets are ready to feel that championship jubilation again.
"We just didn’t get it done last year, so we want to get it done this year. That’s our goal,"
Weider said. "We talk about it every day. You’re hungrier when you don’t win."
Perrysburg finished second in the NLL last year at 5-2, losing dual matches to Southview and Northview.
Southview was 7-0 and went on to win the NLL tournament.
"We didn’t win it last year and we had the best player in the state playing for us," Weider
said. "It’s truly a team competition because it’s not just about one guy. It’s about the whole
seven."
The ‘Jackets lost five seniors from last year’s varsity lineup, most notably Jeffrey Schorsch, who won
four NLL titles in his four-year career. Schorsch won a state title last year and is playing at
Valparaiso University.
But Perrysburg also returns five lettermen from last year’s squad, with three being sophomores. Troy
Weider (senior), Mitchel Skotynsky (junior), Justin Weider (sophomore), Austin Riffer (sophomore), and
Alejandro Balibrea (sophomore) are all coming back with relevant match experience.
"Our guys learned a lot last year and they had some good solid singles play with Jeffrey and
Troy," Mark Weider said. "They got schooled in a lot of matches by seniors and guys who were
more experienced. This year, they’re a lot smarter."
Troy Weider will lead the ‘Jackets as he looks to add his fourth NLL individual title. He should be in
this mix for a spot in the state tournament this year, Mark Weider said.
Troy Weider faced teammate Schorsch in the district tournament with a trip to state on the line last
year.
"Troy has stepped right up as far as being captain and taking a leadership role for the team,"
Mark Weider said. "He’s doing a really good job with that. He has been very solid for us his whole
career."

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