New coach hoping to build Texans into perennial contender

Tristan Richards has big plans for the Lamar tennis program.

The first-year head coach, who moved to Lamar from Premont in South Texas, hopes to build the Texans into a tennis powerhouse that can compete with the very best in Class 6A-Region III. However, he realizes the process will take time.

"We have the talent. What's missing is the depth," Richards said. "We're strong at the top of the line-up, but we need to work on the middle part."

Still, Lamar remains one of the favorites at the District 20-6A Tournament coming up Wednesday-Friday, Oct. 15-17, at the Memorial Park Tennis Center.

As a newcomer to Lamar and Houston, Richards doesn't know much about the local tennis scene. For now, he's focusing more on his squad.

"The things we can control is our work ethic and discipline," Richards said. "I am (recreational) triathlete and have did the 2014 Ironman Texas, so conditioning is important to me. I expect our players to be in great shape."

The Texans saw their first significant action this season, beating Chavez 14-1 in a practice match last week. Lamar should get a bigger push from rivals such as Bellaire and Westside.

Topping the boys singles ladder is senior John Milstead, a state qualifier in mixed doubles last spring. A University of Oklahoma commit, Milstead intends to graduate early from Lamar in December. Consequently, he'll give up his spring season with the Texans to enroll in college.

"John will be with us only half the year, but we're excited to have him this fall," Richards said. "He is a tremendous player."

Freshman Vesko Lekovic is a promising No. 2. The Serbian-born Lekovic is small in stature but has a huge game, according to Richards.

"Vesko is barely 5 feet tall, but he has a lot of power and a very mature game for his age," Richards said.

The rest of the boys singles ladder includes senior Steven Tran, freshman Roscoe Prince and sophomores Landon Gloaguen, Harrison Jones and Bryan Longoria.

"We're playing a lot of underclassmen," Richards said. "They're learning how to win matches."

Senior Nicole Hutchinson is a definitive No. 1 in girls singles.

"Nicole sets the tone for our team," Richards said. "She's hitting the ball well."

Freshman Chandler Vrba is an up-and-coming rookie with a lot of ability.

Other notable girls are senior Sophie King, sophomores Blakely Ayala, Francis Cochran and Addison Smith and freshman Berkleigh Clemens.

Richards has yet to decide on his doubles combinations on either side, although he feels Tran may play mixed doubles.

"We still have time to change up the line-up," Richards said. "We are looking to the future and want the young kids to get as much experience as possible."

Spikers in position

The Lamar volleyball team went into its showdown with Westside earlier this week tied with the Wolves for second place in the District 20-6A standings.

It's about where head coach Casey Mulryan expected the Texans (15-8, 5-1) to be at this point in the season. Lamar's only loss in league play was a three-set sweep against Bellaire.

"We were still figuring things out the first time we played Bellaire," Mulryan said. "Hopefully, it will be closer the second time around."

Lamar will open the second round of District 20-6A against Sam Houston at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, at the Pavilion.

Mulryan said the Texans have benefited from strong net play from sophomore Grace Nielsen and senior Alexis Kingston at middle blocker.

Last week, Lamar crushed Westbury 25-1, 25-3, 25-5 and Milby 25-14, 25-15, 25-13.

Chavez next for Lamar

Lamar its their District 20-6A football schedule last week with a convincing 81-0 rout against Sam Houston.

Next up for the Texans (3-1, 1-0) is Chavez (2-2, 1-0) at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, at Delmar Stadium.