The wind was howling and the competition was fierce, but the Bulldogs preserved to claim the first ever Whitefish sweep of State A tennis titles.  

Girls Coach Patrick Dryden said it was the best team he’s coached, as the girls put six on the podium. Boys Coach Chris Schwaderer saw individual champions for the first time in his 17 years of coaching. 

As reigning state champions and divisional champions, the boys team came into the tournament hungry but humble. 

“We were modest and understood that we had a lot of work to do,” Schwaderer said. “We never took anything for granted.” 

State brings highly anticipated matchups with unmet competitors from the east.  

“Everyone’s who’s there is good. It’s all about showing up. And we showed up. That’s all there is to it,” Schwaderer said.  

The players started the tournament with strong heat, but a front blew in. Gusty winds rose and by the last day, the tournament was moved inside.  

With the winds howling and teammates cheering, Bulldog Jack Oehlerich was challenged by Jack Robertson of Dillon in an intense semifinal.  

Oehlerich was off to a rough start, losing the first set and then down 5-3 into the second set. His goal for gold – which the team title likely rested on – was threatened by a loss in the semis. 

“Jack is a resilient, thoughtful, smart player,” Schwaderer said. “We figured out a way to adjust and play his game instead of the other player’s game.”  

Oehlerich pulled through, and the game went to a tiebreaker. Tiebreakers are played to seven. Oehlerich was down 6-4.  

“It was incredibly tense. Jack just had to show everything he had to get back into the match,” Schwaderer said.  

And he did. Oehlerich then moved to the finals where he cruised 6-2, 6-2 over Hardin’s Wesley Walks to claim the boys singles title.  

In boys doubles, Aaron Anderson and Marcus Mercer also won gold. 

Like Oehlerich, the duo found themselves in a difficult situation early on. The two faced the defending state champs Max Spangler and Carter Chagnon of Havre in the semis.  

The Bulldog duo came out so strong it shocked the crowd, and they took the first set 6-2. Things were tight until Anderson twisted his ankle. He got up and put a brace on, but Hardin started running down the Dawgs.  

“Once again we found a way, changed the strategy, and did what we needed to do,” Schwaderer said. 

The duo won the third set 6-3. They then went on to the finals to defeat Hardin’s William Noteboom and Adrian Taganahan 0-6, 6-3, 6-4 to win gold.  

Every team member showed up to earn points, playing critical roles.  

In singles Owen Erickson grinded through the consolation bracket, putting together a fantastic performance as he rallied through multiple matches to take third.  

Cole Moses and Jake Shors showed intense focus and strong spirits as they won five arduous matches to earn a fifth-place finish in boys doubles.  

Freshman Eli Erickson had a great tournament, winning a match and scoring a team point.  

The team finished first overall with a whooping 48 points ahead of Hardin with 33.  

THE WHITEFISH GIRLS racked up a dominating 39 points to claim their Class A title over second place Miles City (22). That’s the second highest title ever recorded; 41 being the record.  

The team was tested with heat, wind, snow and rain this season – and perhaps it was all worth it, putting in the practice to face the conditions at the final meet.  

All six girls that Whitefish took to state ended up on the podium, each earning All-State recognition.  

Expectations were high for doubles team Allie Shors and Camry Kelch as they came into the tournament undefeated. The dominant team rose to the occasion and easily defeated each opponent before taking the win in the finals over Polson’s Greta Lund and Hinkley Moss 6-3, 6-1.  

Liesl Brust defeated challenging opponents from Miles City and Corvallis to take the bronze in girls singles. Emy Hansen had dramatic matches as she had two tiebreakers, showing grit throughout the tournament to take fifth.  

Doubles team Aubrey Talbot and Lucy Marzo brought the heat needed to win the team title. The girls beat the “team to beat” of Miles City in a thrilling three-set opening match, Dryden said, giving the Bulldogs great momentum. The duo then lost a third set tiebreaker in the dark, playing late into the night. They rebounded to win their next three matches to claim fourth place.  

Overall it was a momentous, long week for the tennis teams, who left Tuesday and returned Sunday.  

“We started off with 95 degrees and ice packs... and then we had 30-mile an hour winds,” Dryden said. “I don’t think I heard a complaint the entire week – that's what it takes. That’s how you build a team, is everyone’s positive.”  

Both Dryden and Schwaderer credited strong team chemistry – between both the boys and the girls – for propelling the Bulldogs to the historic wins.  

“Coach Schwaderer and I have never seen a tighter bond,” Dryden said. “They just go nuts cheering for each other. The boys as returning state champions had a confidence that was contagious.” 

The Bulldogs love their tennis and it shows, Schwaderer said.  

“They just love each other. They hang out, support each other. The bus rides are great, they’re dancing and singing. It’s just awesome to see how into it they are.”  

    Whitefish boys tennis 2026 champions: Coach Chris Schwaderer, Eli Erickson, Jake Shors, Marcus Mercer, Aaron Anderson, Owen Erickson, Cole Moses, Jack Oehlerich, Assistant Coach Doris Puglisi. (Photo provided)