Published: October 05, 2008 12:33 am         

Bethany tennis team first to win sectional title for school

The 2008 Bethany Christian High School boys tennis team took its place in history Saturday.

That’s because these Bruins became the first in program history to capture a sectional championship by defeating NorthWood, 4-1, on the Goshen Middle School courts.

Bethany advances to a regional to be played Tuesday and Wednesday at Concord.

Earlier Saturday, Bethany had pulled out a 3-2 semifinal win over Fairfield thanks to the heroics of senior Daniel Buschert and junior Mikey Kelly at No. 2 doubles.

NorthWood had advanced with a 3-2 victory over Jimtown, sweeping singles.

In the finale, senior Jared Schwartzentruber won at No. 2 singles for Bethany and senio Jonny Shenk at No. 3.

Seniors Jeremy Thomas and Johnny Kauffman prevailed at No. 1 doubles while Buschert and Kelly won at No. 2.

Bethany coach Matt Miller said, “It has been a long time coming for this group. The seniors have been working toward this since they were in 8th grade.

“They were the largest class of tennis players in Bethany history. They wanted to prove they could be competitive with the bigger schools in this sectional.

“They wanted to start a tradition in Bethany tennis, believing all along that something like this could happen. The credit goes to the seniors. It was either win today or they were done.”

Senior Preston Swain was a winner for NorthWood at No. 1 singles and advances as an individual in tournament play.

Panther coach Tif Schwartz said, “It was a good match. We played well, but Bethany played better. Congratulations to them for a great team win.

“Preston struggled some, but fought back when he needed to and got his 20th victory of the season which is quite an accomplishment.”

A few hours before, Buschert and Kelly were largely responsible for extending BC’s season.

They trailed a Fairfield duo 5-1 in the third set before rallying spectacularly to win.

Fairfield winners were sophomore Micah Randolph at No. 3 singles, juniors Josh Beck and Derick Troeger at No. 1 doubles.