Altoona Boys Tennis Team Secures Historic State Championship

MADISON — Coach Greg Emerson of the Altoona boys tennis team has declared this year's squad as the finest he has ever led, and they have now validated that claim by clinching the WIAA Division 2 State Team Championship. The Railroaders achieved a 5-2 victory over Madison Edgewood on Saturday at Nielsen Stadium, marking the first state team title in the program's history following a runner-up finish the previous year.

The Railroaders, who entered the tournament as the second seed, showcased their skills through standout performances from seniors Trenton Navarre and Carter Drescher, alongside sophomore Jonah Oldenkamp and junior Connor Gower. Both Navarre and Drescher had to battle through decisive third sets to secure their wins in singles play. Additionally, the duo of sophomore doubles partners Joseph Ricci and Owen Drescher contributed with a thrilling victory, winning their match in three sets (3-6, 6-2, 10-6).

On their way to the championship, Altoona defeated the third-seeded Kohler 5-2 in the semifinals earlier on Saturday, replicating their success against Kohler from the previous year’s state championships by winning three singles and two doubles matches. This victory capped off an impressive undefeated season for the Railroaders, finishing with a perfect record of 28-0.

The team, composed of six seniors including Teagan Bennett, Jaxton Semrow, Lucas Pederson, and Isaiah Yi, one junior, and three sophomores, has successfully transformed last year's disappointment into a moment of glory, leaving Madison not just as competitors, but as champions.