The South Whidbey boys tennis team has become a close-knit group, even though they play a highly individual high school sport.

“Each of us likes to play tennis for our own reasons, but we still feel like we’re a team,” said Falcon junior Brendan Toyama. “And unlike football or soccer, we’ll be playing this for the rest of our lives.”

Coach Tom Kramer agreed.

“I’d guess at least 90 percent of the kids I’ve coached over the last couple of decades are still playing,” he said.

It’s a good thing to take something with you after graduation, especially when the team has such a punishing schedule this season.

Because many of the Cascade Conference schools don’t offer tennis, the Falcons have 16 matches against big schools such as Anacortes, Bellingham, Burlington, Sedro-Woolley and Mount Vernon — all classified 3A or 4A.

And Squalicum. Wednesday afternoon’s match with the Storm didn’t go as well as the Falcons would have liked, but Coach Kramer was undeterred.

“It may not seem like an improvement looking at the scores, but Squalicum is undefeated and it was much worse when we played them earlier in the season,” Kramer said.

“We are more competitive now. Our rallies are longer and that helps with overall points and a better mental attitude,” he said.

In singles action, senior Jason Craig continued to demonstrate why he’s South Whidbey’s number-one player, winning 6-3 and 6-1.

“Jason played an outstanding match, in complete control from start to finish,” Kramer said. “He has shown steady improvement and seems to be peaking at just the right time, but he’ll need to finish the season strong to prepare for the playoffs.”

Jeff Carmichael lost 4-6, 0-6, Brendan Toyama went out 3-6, 3-6 and Ben Snow finished 1-6, 6-7 (6-8).

Sean Hough and Matt Idso were defeated in doubles play 3-6, 0-6, while Max Wallace and Andrew McKenzie went 0-6, 1-6 and Grant Neubauer and Jake Ewing finished 0-6, 5-7.

Toyama was unfazed by his loss.

“They’re a very good team and my guy (Spencer McCain) was tough today,” Toyama said.

“I think I’m getting better; I held my own out there and that means a lot, especially compared to how I was doing last month,” he added.

Carmichael admitted that though he’s also doing better, the coach never hesitates to offer a few pointers.

“He wants me to be more patient when I return a serve,” Carmichael said.

“He’s right, of course, I just need to put it into action. Staying calm is hard for me, sometimes,” he said.

One of Kramer’s concerns is having players get too complacent and losing their edge.

“I’ve shaken the line-up, switched doubles partners and generally made sure they don’t take too much for granted,” Kramer said. “And some of these younger guys are hungry; that can count for a lot on the court.”

That’s OK with Toyama, who prefers singles but can play with a partner if needed.

“Mr. Kramer is good to work with; he really helps me bring up my game and takes the time to show what works and what doesn’t,” he said.

Fans are invited to see how well the team does at 3:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 2, when Mount Vernon comes to town.

Jeff VanDerford can be reached at

221-5300 or sports@southwhidbeyrecord.com.