Last season was a dream one for the Becker tennis team, as they qualified for the state Class AA tournament for the first time in school history.  This season?  Nine returning letter winners have the Bulldogs with their rackets focused on more post-season glory.

“This team has high expectations, and it will be a huge challenge to out-perform last year because our schedule is quite a bit tougher,” Head Coach Hokan Bengtson says, as he enters season 22 in charge.  “This year we will need to embrace our mantra #DMGB — Doesn’t Matter Get Better.”

Seniors Eli Scheideman and Ryan Bengtson return to the team after participating in the state doubles tournament the past two seasons, and they will be joined by Nick Gruber to serve as the team’s three captains.  Junior Zach Bengtson also made the singles state tournament last year, giving the Bulldogs a total three players loaded with the talent and state tournament experience needed for a playoff run.

The Bulldogs have been busy practicing their skills in the Becker field house, but a chance to get on the courts is not far off, according to Bengtson.

“Our grounds crew at the high school is amazing — they have been helping us snow blow and shovel the courts all week,” Bengtson says.  “We should be close to ready to being outside for practices despite the mountains of snow all around the courts.”

Bengtson also gives a nod to his coaching staff for the continued success of his program.

"We have added long time Becker tennis resident Mike Hultgren to the staff this offseason, he will work along side Brent Scheideman, and alumni Philip Gudim, Jason Dilly and Steve Borst,” Bengtson says.  

With the combined experience of the players and coaches, it could be another elite season for Becker Bulldog boys tennis.