Heavy is the crown that the Whitefish boys bring into the 2026 tennis season.

The Bulldogs claimed the State A title in 2025 by a point over Stevensville and look in good position to make a run towards a repeat. In their way are stout Columbia Falls and Polson boys’ squads with talent to make their own runs at a championship. 

On the girls side, Whitefish brought home a third place trophy from state and Liesl Brust leads a plethora of state qualifiers.

But Columbia Falls, Bigfork and Polson all return state qualifiers and look improved as 2026 begins. 

The defending champions have been excited to be back on the court this spring according to boys coach Chris Schwaderer. 

“So many years we don’t get on the courts until April,” Schwaderer said of the nice weather as practices began. “We were indoors through the winter and the kids are in really great shape right now.” 

Leading the charge is senior Jack Oehlerich, who nabbed a second place at state this season. 

“Jack is a quiet modest kid all these years,” Schwaderer said. “He keeps working, he wants to be good and doesn’t take anything for granted.” 

In doubles, Cole Moses and Aaron Anderson are a pair of athletic and spirited kids who will lead the way. 

The Bulldog girls see their entire singles lineup from 2025 return. Brust is a junior and finished fifth at state last season. 

Emmy Hansen and Allie Shors also made the state tournament in singles a season ago. Senior Ainsley Grubb and freshman Daisy Lusko make five girls battling for four spots. 

As for doubles, Camry Kelch returns after another state appearance with a second partner. She and Maggie Mercer finished third in 2025 after suffering their only loss of the season in the semifinals. 

“I’m really impressed with the competitiveness of the team,” Dryden said. “It’s all positive. They compete in every drill, and I expect them to do the same when we start playing other people.”