Libby Loggers tennis ready for new challenges
Last year, the Libby tennis team definitely had some highlights, namely Ryan Beagle winning the state Class A singles championship.
But that was last year, and this year, the team wants to make memories of its own.
Head coach Kyle Hannah is eager to see how his squad rises to the challenge after an outstanding 2024 campaign. With 17 seniors on last year’s roster, the team boasted significant experience and delivered exceptional results.
The boys’ squad finished third at state, including Beagle's singles championship, the first individual tennis championship for Libby since Loggers star Jackie Mee won the Class A girls title in 2009.
This season, the Loggers face a new set of challenges as they integrate a wave of fresh faces. The team has grown to 41 participants, including 22 new players eager to learn the game and compete at a high level. The blend of youth and experience will be key as Libby looks to remain competitive in one of the toughest tennis conferences in Montana.
“It will be exciting to watch many of those new to the sport fall in love with the game of tennis,” Hannah said. “Our goals and expectations remain the same each year: learn the game of tennis, play hard, and have fun. However, those striving to compete for Libby's third state championship will be challenged to reach that level. If you ask a few of the boys, another state trophy is in their vision!”
Leading the charge this season will be a talented group of seniors, including Beagle, Alderic Martineau, Maggie Fantozzi, Marissa Hollingworth, Dayton Johnson, Eric Thompson, Dylan Warner and Mara Murer.
“Our team's strengths this year will be in singles,” Hannah noted. “We will take our lumps early on, but come mid-April, we should be competing every week.”
Libby’s conference remains one of the toughest in the state, with powerhouse programs such as Polson and Whitefish consistently fielding strong teams. Columbia Falls also produces contenders each year, making the road to the postseason a demanding one. Only four singles players and four doubles teams qualify for state, making every match an important stepping stone toward that goal.
Guiding the Loggers through this transition is a coaching staff with decades of experience. Hannah marks his 20th year as head coach and assistant coach Terry Oedewaldt has been by his side for 16 of those years, playing a crucial role in player development.
The team also benefits from the return of coach Barb Mee, who was part of the staff during Hannah’s first four years and has rejoined in recent seasons. Additionally, the Libby community has been instrumental in supporting the program, with volunteers such as coach Dave Nelson dedicating time to work with student-athletes.
With a mix of experienced players and an influx of enthusiastic newcomers, Libby tennis is poised to make another strong push in the competitive Northwest A Conference.
Fans can expect an exciting season as the team works toward another state tournament appearance and perhaps even another trophy for the Loggers’ legacy.
The Loggers are scheduled to open the season Friday at Polson at 9 a.m. with a match against Hamilton at noon.
ROSTER
Seniors: Ryan Beagle, Maggie Fantozzi, Marissa Hollingsworth, Dayton Johnson, Alderic Martineau, Mara Murer, Eric Thompson, Dylan Warner.
Juniors: Augie Bailey, Aubrey Davis, Kale Hall, Branson Holzer, Shya Huck, Jaxon Huni, Ashlenn James, Isaac Lamere, Isabella Meyer, Jillian Stewart and Teague Thompson.
Sophomores: Eaddon Baca, Rylee Delmas, Blaise Erickson, Claire Fantozzi, Lyzander Gassman, Dayton Hardy, Alex Reatz and Matt Shao, Cole Sunell and Daphne Johnson.
Freshmen: Gabe Black, Jonathan Cano, Lucy DeShazer, Silas Fosgate, Grady Foster, Easton Gilmore, Olivia Martineau, Kayla Mesenbrink, Nico Newman, Izzy Paulsen, Verna Riddle, EmaLaya White, Paige Andreessen and Ignacio Guerra.
Libby High School tennis coach Kyle Hannah hits balls during practice Wednesday, March 19, 2025. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)