For years, Wheelersburg's athletic programs have set the standard for excellence across the local district—and 2026 is proving no different, especially on the men's tennis court.
Under the steady guidance of head coach Jodi Ruby, the Pirates have posted an impressive 16-3 overall record and a 9-3 mark in Southern Ohio Conference (SOC) play. That kind of consistency doesn't happen by accident. Ruby credits her squad's success to the dedication of all 11 players, with special praise for a senior class that's leading the charge: Isaac Mott, Brady Schomburg, Kody Evans, Alex Richey, and Mason Billiter.
"They have been an amazing group to coach this year," Ruby said. "The seniors that I've had for four years have just shown tremendous growth. Even the freshmen that are new are growing and improving with every match. They're just a fun group of boys to coach. They just soak up everything that I and my assistant, Wes Bussey, tell them. We can tell them to go out there and try just about anything, and they'll do it. They're just eager to grow, learn and be better than they were the match before. It's been a lot of fun and an amazing season to watch so far."
At the heart of the singles lineup is senior Kody Evans, who has firmly locked down the No. 1 spot. He finished the regular season with a stellar 16-3 record, with his only losses coming against Waverly's talented Carson Nibert and a nonconference setback to Chillicothe—a match Wheelersburg still managed to win 3-2. Evans' growth has been a highlight for Ruby, who noted, "His spot's not new to him, but this season, his play is just night and day to what it was last year. He just grows with every single match. It's just phenomenal to watch how he performs out there on that court."
Behind Evans, junior Luke Sarver and freshman Cash Watkins have been equally impactful, each finishing 14-5 on the season. Together, they combined for a 28-10 record in their respective singles positions—a promising sign for a program that will return both players in 2027. Ruby praised Sarver's midseason adjustments and Watkins' seamless transition into the No. 3 slot, calling it "a perfect fit" for a gap she knew she'd need to fill.
Rounding out the lineup are four seniors who anchor the doubles positions. Schomburg and Billiter, playing at No. 1 doubles, have also posted a 14-5 record, adding depth and leadership to a team that's firing on all cylinders. With a mix of seasoned upperclassmen and rising young talent, Wheelersburg isn't just winning—they're building a legacy that looks set to continue for years to come.