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So much for the steep learning curve.

The youthful Springboro High School boys tennis team claimed the Greater Western Ohio Conference South title with a 12-2 record.

"They exceeded my expectations," coach Dave Hartsock said. "We knew going in that the players were going to struggle with the learning curve. From Day One, they've worked extremely hard and progressed a lot faster than I thought."

Sophomores Greg Lloyd (13-2) and the first doubles team of Scott Rice and Michael O'Gara (13-2) epitomize the promising talent on the roster.

"Greg features a huge forehand and he's still learning what he can do and is willing to play any style," Hartsock said. "He can bang around with the big boys or play soft and smart if that is what it takes to win."

The doubles partnership of O'Gara-Rice netted a 13-2 record in the regular season.

"They feed off each other's different strengths," the coach said. "Michael is quick and can be unstoppable at the net, while Scott is able to put lot of balls away and wields a big serve."

Senior leader David Weaver has been solid at first singles as his 13-5 regular-season record indicates. He had an unblemished record in the South.

Other contributors include sophomore Keegan Mullins, Travis Fox, freshman Anthony Ramiconi, Ian Henrich and senior Andrew North.

Elger an All-Star

It'll be Owen Elger's last hurrah in high school football and he can't wait.

The Springboro offensive tackle has been named on the South team to play in the Miami Valley Football Coaches Association North-South game June 13 at Welcome Stadium.

Elger helped the Panthers to the GWOC South title and a 6-4 record. He earned All-GWOC honors and second-team All-Southwest District.

"It's ironic that I'll be playing on my future field," said Elger, who will pursue football at the University of Dayton. "It's a privilege to play in the game and I hope to make it memorable. I'll be going head-to-head against the type of competition that I will see at the next level."

Elger attended the Flyers' spring game under new coach Rick Chamberlain who succeeds ultra-successful Mike Kelly.

"The feeling coming out of the spring camp is nothing is going to change," Elger said. "So there's no need to worry. The winning tradition will continue."

Elger, who maintains a 3.0 GPA, will study mechanical engineering.

"Playing in the all-star game will give Owen an opportunity to put a name to the many faces of players he's gone against or read about in the newspaper," said 'Boro head coach Ryan Wilhite. "As an offensive lineman, he's a power guy with good feet. When he gets on a guy, he's hard to get off. They project him as a guard or center at Dayton."

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2478 or rjackson@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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