In his short stint as White River High boys tennis coach, this is the largest turnout Jason Swaser has seen on the courts and that bodes well for the season.

The Hornets lost No. 1 singles player Kyle Cavelti to graduation, but return five varsity players to the lineup – seniors Will Whitaker, Chris Thompson, Cameron Sautner and Steven Root and junior Michael Baron.

“I’m excited. The numbers are getting better. Guys are coming back,” Swaser said.

In addition, of the 21 young men on the court, many are freshman who will build the program in the future.

“There’s a lot of talent that came out this year,” Swaser said.

Swaser anticipates that talent level will improve with each match. The South Puget Sound League 3A boys tennis can be fickle without a year-in and year-out power. The Hornets swing into the season Sept. 10 at Auburn Mountainview and return home Sept. 11 to host Capital.