The Austin boys tennis team is looking forward to a season of hard work this year as it prepares for its 2009 campaign.

The Packers will have to battle some tough Big Nine teams in Century, Mayo, Owatonna, Mankato West, and Winona but they should be up to the task.

“My team will not be out worked and we will fight to win every match no matter who the competition is,” Austin head coach Thomas Tauchnitz said. “I look forward to an excellent season.”

The Packers will look to No. 1 singles player Drew Halvin to lead the way as he was one match away from the individual state tournament last season.

“Drew should be among the top three or four players in the Big Nine this year

and we are expecting big things from him,” Tauchnitz said.

Halvin, who is one of four seniors on the squad, is fully recovered from a broken leg he suffered during the soccer season.

As for the other singles players, John Register will hold down the No. 2 spot, Peter Lindahl will play No. 3 and Dan Collier will be No. 4.

The No. 1 doubles team will be Bob Astrup and Jacob Brehmer and the other two doubles teams are not yet determined.

The Packers are hoping to finish in the top five of the Big Nine this season.

Austin will open at North High School April 7 and it will host Owatonna April 14 at 4:30 p.m.