Friday, April 13, 2001
Teufel big part of Princeton's 6-0 start
No. 1 singles player would like to reach state
By Dave Schutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Princeton High's boys tennis team got off to a 6-0 start behind two pairs of brothers, a unique coaching arrangement and a No.1 singles player who refuses to give up on any match.
For the Vikings, it adds up to a good chance to repeat last year's Greater Miami Conference championship.
The Vikings' top eight players are seniors Kevin Teufel and Rob Caress, juniors Craig Dunbar, Randy Lofgren and Colin Morrissey, sophomores Andy Caress and Wil Lofgren and freshman Mike Hertlein.
Rob and Andy Caress are the sons of head coach Bob Caress; Randy and Wil Lofgren are the sons of assistant Dorianna Lofgren Manis, a standout at UC in the 1980s and a Princeton assistant, and Queen City Racquet Club pro Bill Lofgren.
“We struck a deal,” Caress said. “Dorianna coaches the Caress boys and everyone else, and I coach the Lofgrens and everyone else. It's worked out fine.”
Wil Lofgren, who was ranked No.225 in Boys 16s by the United States Tennis Association at the end of last year, has been preparing for the prestigious Easter Bowl tournament in Miami this weekend and hasn't played for the Vikings yet.
Lofgren is no lock to play No.1 singles once he returns — not when Teufel is 6-0 at No.1.
“Kevin has excellent ability, but what sets him apart is mental toughness,” coach Caress said. “You better be ready to finish that last point or he'll beat you.”
A perfect example of Teufel's toughness came against Sycamore's James Tyler last year.
After losing the first set and trailing 5-0 in the second set, Teufel refused to fold and rallied for a three-set victory.
Teufel, who started playing tennis eight years ago when noticed by past Cincinnati great Jack Guggenheim, pointed to a match in 1999 as the turning point.
“I was playing Justin Yeager in a USTA match at Lunken Playfield and should have finished him off,” Teufel said.
“I was playing so well and was totally in control of the match. But several double faults and mistakes let him back in it. I ended up losing.”
This disappointment hasn't been forgotten.
“I've learned a lot from that match,” said Teufel, who will play tennis at Wright State next year. “I now focus on every point and take no one lightly. It's helped improve my game.”
Teufel wants to help the Vikings successfully defend their GMC title. But as important to him is qualifying for state for the first time.
“I've made it to districts the past two years but never to state,” Teufel said. “It doesn't matter if it's in singles or doubles. I want to win a state championship before graduating.”
Caress said Teufel probably will play doubles in the postseason tournament, but also feels seniors should have a voice in the decision. So he'll discuss it with Teufel and assistant Dorianna Lofgren Manis before deciding.
“I believe that any kid who has spent four years on the team should have a choice,” Caress said.
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Teufel big part of Princeton's 6-0 start
