Despite coming off back-to-back state championships, Lake Oconee Academy almost didn’t have a boys’ tennis team this season, but now the Titans head into the second round of state playoffs next week and looking for a “three-peat.”
LOA brought back four players this year but had a handful of new guys join the team. It marked the first time the three newcomers were playing competitively, but they have enjoyed success alongside the three returners.
“I thought this was going to be a rebuilding year because we only had three of our seven starters returning,” LOA coach Tom Imhof explained. “Several months ago, we didn’t have enough to put a team together, and my son, Wyatt, wanted to have a season. So, he got a few of his friends together. Most of them were sophomores and had never played tennis before but were good enough athletes. They got together and got hooked quickly and we’ve been building since then. It’s worked out much better than expected.
“They started getting together in October. They’d go out on the weekends and play," the coach added. "There were like eight new guys, even our alternates. They would go out for six to eight hours and play until 11 p.m. They started getting competitive and they’re all young. That’s the good thing.”
In addition to Wyatt Imhof, the returning players include Adam Kalmanowicz, Major Mercer, and Christian Moore. These four were key to the team capturing its second consecutive Class A Division II state championship last year.
Garrett Griffin, Henry Hynes, and Jack Kalmanowicz are the three newcomers. They each played an important role in contributing to the Titans’ run at a third-straight state title.
There’s been some mix-up in the lineup, with Adam Kalmanowicz moving from doubles to the top singles spot. Jack Kalmanowicz is the No. 2 singles player and Mercer is in the No. 3 singles spot.
Wyatt Imhof and Moore played together at No. 2 doubles but were split up, with the younger Imhof moved up to the No. 1 doubles team, playing with Griffin. The pair has gone undefeated so far. Meanwhile, Moore and Hynes compete from the No. 2 doubles spot and have had strong showings, also going undefeated since Hynes joined the team mid-season from basketball.
Coach Imhof said he’s proud of how fast he’s seen the three newcomers adjust and grow into their roles. He said freshman Jack Kalmanowicz has been particularly impressive.
“Jack has done well in the No. 2 singles spot, which is pretty demanding,” the coach said. “Many teams play with their lineups and put their No. 1 guy at No. 2 to try to secure a win. So, Jack has held his own at the top singles spot. He has played very well for us.”
Jack Kalmanowicz also was a Second-Team All-Region selection, with each LOA doubles team named All-Region as well.
“That’s been a pleasant surprise to have both doubles teams earn All-Region honors, especially with the new additions,” Coach Imhof said.
Lake Oconee Academy won the region title the previous three years, but in 2024 Aquinas broke that streak. So, the Titans headed into state playoffs Tuesday as the No. 2 seed matched up with Wilkinson County in the first round.
The Warriors turned out to be no match for Lake Oconee Academy, which swept the contest with a 5-0 win. The Titans next face top-seed Christian Heritage on the road next week in Dalton.
Seemingly without a complete team to coach, Imhof found himself in an unusual situation a few months ago at the start of the season.
However, thanks to his son’s efforts and a strong willingness to learn from his new players, he’s now looking at a potential third-straight championship.
Imhof stressed he’s also proud of how his returning players have stepped up to lead this year.
“This season, we started a little inexperienced, but this group has gelled, and they play well together,” he said.