They have yet to be the grooms, and they haven’t exactly been the best men either, but they’re definitely in the wedding party each year.

In fact, the Salem boys tennis team has nearly perfected the role of head usher.

The past four seasons the Blue Devils have reached the state semifinals, only to escort their opponents to the altar. This year, however, Salem sends one of the most experienced groups in program history to the court, and coach Mike Jolicoeur said the team is prepared to compete for its first crown.

Starters one through five return this season, leaving but two question marks: who will fill the sixth spot, and who will make up the Blue Devils’ third doubles team?

Senior Jeff Bunker is expected to be Salem’s No. 1, though Jolicoeur said Mike Cohen has expressed interest in the spot and will compete with his classmate for the top draw. Both are strong candidates for the state tournament.

Bobby Pike, Joel Vastl and Tim Briggs fill out the top five. Those looking to net the final spot are juniors Brian Peltz, Jordan Faulconer, Chris Correia and Mike Michalcyk. All four received playing time last year.

Freshman Ryan Breton is likely to be in the mix as well, though he may have to wait a year to crack the starting lineup.

“One of the things we really like about the team, much like last year, is that we have four or five guys that can play No. 6,” said Jolicoeur. “We have depth. We don’t really lose anything with any of those guys.”

Cohen and Pike make up one of the doubles teams, and Bunker and Vastl are another. Last season, the Blue Devils earned a 12-2 record, only to fall to Manchester West in the semis.

“The expectation for us is pretty much the same as it is every year,” said Jolicoeur, who has coached the team with Gary Duranko the past three seasons. “We want to make the playoffs, and this year we want to take it to next level and make the finals – and hopefully win it.”