Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008

New coach takes over at Althoff

Crusaders open season with a loss

BELLEVILLE -- After a nine-year hiatus from competitive tennis, a familiar name returns to lead the Althoff girls tennis program in 2008.

Julie Howenstein, a 1999 graduate of Althoff, begins her first year of coaching with a strong and experienced group of players which opened the season on Tuesday against perennial Missouri power St. Joseph's Academy.

"We lost 6-3 but I was very happy and encouraged with the way the girls played. St. Joseph's is very strong and we were able to stay with them pretty well," Howenstein said. "Our girls have worked very hard all summer, playing in tournaments and in clinics. I think we're going to surprise some teams this season. I really do."

A former all-area player who was a state tournament qualifier while at Althoff, Howenstein attended who attended Miami of Ohio University but did not play college tennis.

But when Dan Strobo chose not to return as the Crusaders coach, Howenstein was summoned.

"Actually I had a phone call from someone who works at Althoff asking me if I would be interested in the job," Howenstein said. "I've never coached, but I have worked in clinics and my entire family plays the game.

"These girls are a lot of fun to be around and they are good tennis players. I'm enjoying it."

Howenstein's older brothers Matt and Mike were standouts at Althoff.

The Crusaders return four of their top six players from a team which showed improvement late last year. Kelsey Porter, Althoff's No. 4 player a year ago, has climbed the ladder to the top spot this fall.

However three other experienced players -- Allison Burnworth, Alissa Goetz and Jennifer Hipkiss have all shown improvement and are competing for the No. 1 and No. 2 spots.

"I would much rather have four very good and evenly matched players as we have rather than one great player. Our depth is very strong this season," Howenstein said. "They can all come to the net, but I think they are more comfortable hitting from the baseline. They have all the shots."

Three other players -- Nicole Kaltwasser, Kelli Kosydor and Mary Geiger are also competing for a spot in the top six while another player with solid ability is Felicia Greif.

Contact reporter Dean Criddle at 239-2665 or dcriddle@bnd.com.