Rashid brothers lead way for Streator High tennis

The 2020 season was shaping up to be a pretty special one for the Streator High boys tennis team — especially when it comes to singles play.

Now the Bulldogs are left hoping they get the chance to play at all.

The Rashid brothers — senior Greg, a two-time IHSA state qualifier, and sophomore Davey — return to lead the way for Streator, though there is some experience behind them on coach John Sandoval's small but dedicated roster.

"Greg's going to play No. 1 singles, and Davey is right there, a close second at No. 2," Sandoval said of the Rashids. "They've been the best competition for each other. They play each other a lot, even now during this down time. ... What a great situation there, to have that rivalry and be able to push each other to get better.

"I think Greg and Davey have a chance to go undefeated through our (regular-season) schedule if we play, maybe a couple losses. We were hoping Greg could make it three trips to state this year ... and all around, I think we have a fairly decent team."

The aforementioned experienced players alongside the Rashid brothers are expected to fill out the doubles ranks.

As things sat when the halt to practice began due to the state-mandated efforts to contain the COVID-19 outbreak, Jason Houch and fellow senior Luke Elias were locked in as the Bulldogs' No. 1 doubles team. Right behind them were the No. 2 duo of juniors Max Baker and Nate Beck, though Sandoval commented that he thinks "they're going to interchange at times. They're all four pretty equal in ability."

At No. 3 doubles looked to be sophomore Cooper Wahl and junior Tyler Mast, with the 11-young man roster rounded out by a trio of freshmen mostly new to the game of tennis — Jimmy Sokol, Joey Marez and Devan Brogan.

It's a group with which Sandoval said he's enjoyed working ... and hopes he'll be able to again.

"We have kids who want to play, and they have great attitudes," the Bulldogs coach said. "That's really nice to have. They're great kids, and we have a great time.

"We had a great start, and got a little experience outside we normally wouldn't have had. ... We just have a bit of a stall moment right now. We'll see how it goes.

"I'm hoping there's at least some kind of season, even if it's a short one."