Although the start of spring sports season is still weeks away for many programs, the Iola High School Mustang tennis team will get back into the swing of things Thursday for a home triangular.
The Mustangs remain confident coming into Thursday’s contest despite having just a handful of players. That’s because a majority of their roster has significant experience on the court.
“It was very fast,” Iola coach Chris Belknap said about the season’s kickoff. “I had canceled the first day of practice because of rain, but they came out and played anyway. That was pretty cool and they took it upon themselves. We hit it head on.”
With only eight practices under their belt, the Mustangs made hasty preparations for the season.
With a returning state qualifier and two seniors as the No. 1 doubles team, their experience gives Iola a head start on the season. 
“We’re doing well. We’re feeling good and having some good practices,” Belknap said. “We’re getting some good running in. Conditioning is constant.”
Shifting from the basketball court to the tennis court, sophomore Mosiah Fawson hopes to make a strong first impression. An ankle injury limited his performance after he qualified for state last year,hampering his performance there.
But after a successful basketball season, he feels ready.
“I’m doing the same things that made me successful in basketball — just staying focused,” Fawson said.
Another pair making their debut are seniors Brodie Thompson and Trapper Boren. After years of playing individually, they will combine their skills as Iola’s No. 1 doubles.
“I almost see last year as a peak, because I’d been playing with my cousin for three years,” Thompson said, referring to Ethan Riebel. “Trapper and I will do well, but it won’t feel the same.
“We’re going to come out on top as far as athleticism. Trapper is fast and I’m fast. Mindset-wise, we’re going to crush some teams.”
