Valley Central’s Aiden Kaleta came within a victory of qualifying for the New York State boys’ tennis tournament last season when he finished fourth in the Section 9 tournament.

If he finishes top 3 at the sectional tournament this year, he will be the Vikings’ first state qualifier in school history that coach Paul Berkowitz knows of.

The Vikings have graduated only one senior from last year’s team: Liam Geiger, who is now attending the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md.

“We are all so proud of him and grateful for his future service,” Berkowitz said.

The Vikings hope to have at least one singles player and one doubles team in the Section 9 championships and to compete in the team tennis playoffs by winning the division.

“Every year it is a privilege to coach these young men,” Berkowitz said. “Both myself and coach Guercio look forward to what the season brings forth.”

The Wallkill Panthers had a successful season in 2023 but enter this season having lost their top player from last year, J.J. Wagner, who reached the Section 9 quarterfinals and the Mid Hudson Athletic League semifinals.

“He was a fantastic singles player that set the bar high for every other teammate on the roster,” Wallkill coach Jason Diehl said.

The Panthers have also lost Ryan Greene and Ben Buchalter.

Returning this year are senior Trevor Strano, junior Tyler DePuy and sophomore Aidan Boland. Junior Ryan Seal is new to the team.

“This year is a year for growth and striving to be competitive,” Diehl said. “Tyler DePuy has really improved going into his junior season. Trevor Strano brings a great sense of leadership as a returning senior.”

Diehl said he hopes his team will improve each week as they gain match experience and create good habits. He’s also hoping his team is competitive in every match.