BY RYAN O’CONNOR

Todd Toler couldn’t have asked for more from his first year at the helm of the Bow boys tennis team.

There’s only one problem.

“I’m kind of bummed it’s over so quickly,” he said. Now Toler looks forward to sticking around for awhile and creating a perennial title contender at BHS.

“I’m very fortunate to have inherited a strong program that (former coach) Drew Groves built,” said the coach. “Now I’m looking to get kids in here who dedicate themselves to tennis, not that play it as a second or third sport. That’s what (perennial powers) Portsmouth and Hanover are doing.”

That’s not to say he expects all one-sport guys. Some of his best players, he said, are great athletes in other sports as well. Though the 2008 season ended Thursday, May 22, with a 6-1 loss to undefeated Portsmouth in the Class I quarterfinals, Toler said in some ways Bow overachieved in 2008.

“I came in not really knowing what I had to work with, and I knew the team lost a couple seniors last year that were big contributors, so I was just shooting for a winning season,” said Toler. “The whole reason I took over this team was to create a longterm process that would continuously produce excellence.”

And Toler said the program has the opportunity to start its dynasty as early as next season.

“We have a lot of strong players coming back, including several seniors, and I think our ladder has the opportunity to be as good as any in the state,” he said. “Our top six is going to be very competitive, and I’ll be extremely surprised we’re not right back in (the playoffs) and maybe competing to win it.”

Though the Falcons lose starters No. 2 Jim Fellows, No. 3 Jack Mulvaney and No. 5 Bobby Waddell, as well as Jason Langevin, Matt Boyd and Ethan Archundia, they return 10 of 15 players, including three of four current freshmen who earned significant playing time.

Kevin Phelps played No. 4 for this season, Isaac Chassman was the No. 9 and Alex Nachman was 10th on the ladder.

“All three are very talented tennis players,” said Toler. “Isaac and Alex could have played No. 5 and 6 for us this year and won.”

Freshman Patrick Walmsley is also expected to be back. Leading the team next season are Andrew Vinnenberg, the team’s No. 1, No. 6 James Miller and No. 7 Jonathan Malatesta.

“These guys know the competitive landscape and what it takes to win. We have high hopes for the other two seniors, especially in the doubles format. Corey Johnson and Justin “JP” Hodgkins have outstanding team chemistry,” said Toler.

“… We created a culture I think everyone was happy with and will serve as a springboard for the program.”