Boys tennis: Young Willmar Cardinals look to lay groundwork
Apr. 7---- Brandt Lager came into practice Monday ready to hand out this week's championship belt to a lucky member of his tennis team. The second-year Willmar boys tennis head coach got the belt late last season as the team's extra effort award.
"At the end of the week, we all vote to see who gets the extra effort (award)," said senior Carter Newberg. "They get to wear the belt for the week and then they get a little goodie bag of stuff. " That hard-work culture is what the Cardinals hope to build in Lager's second season in hopes of climbing up the and Section 8AA standings.
Willmar finished seventh out of eight teams in the CLC in 2025 with a 1-6 record. The Cardinals open the 2026 season at 3 p. m.
Wednesday with a CLC dual against Sauk Rapids at Willmar High School. "Last year we had three wins, I believe, and this year we'll have almost double the matches," Lager said. "We'll get more matches, get them more experience.
Just getting out there, having fun and playing tennis is kind of my goal this year. " Willmar lost three players due to graduation. Gone are Ryan Newberg, Carter's older brother and an All-CLC pick from '25.