With the retirement of former head coach Koby Otto and the departure of assistant Timothy Whitecotton, the Sandie tennis team welcomes two new coaches. Crouch and Ruppanner have already started the season off with a winning record of 14-1. 

“I decided to be a coach for Amarillo High School because I wanted to be able to share my experiences as a tennis player on to the team. I wanted to be able to grow the athletes on the team and be there for their every need,” Ruppanner said.  

Ruppanner and Crouch bring plenty of wisdom and experience to the team. Both have either played or coached teams to plenty of victories across the Panhandle, including Hereford, Randall and Tascosa. 

The Sandie tennis team practices two hours a day and has two matches a week during the fall season. All of this work is put in by the players and coaches to hopefully secure a spot in the State Tournament at the end of October. 

“I love the excitement of fall tennis,” Crouch said.

The Sandies work all season to perfect their record and prepare for some of the toughest teams in the state. Both coaches push the team to be excited for one another’s victories. 

 “Everyone wants to be there, wants to get better, and wants to support their teammates,” Ruppanner said. 

 The Sandie tennis team is one of the most decorated teams at AHS. Crouch and Ruppanner have enforced plenty of policies to keep the team together and cheering each other on. The team must remain encouraging to each other to secure their goals for the current season and years to follow.