The Castleton men’s tennis team has started out the season in impressive fashion, and a number of two-sport Spartan athletes are to thank.

The Spartans have relied on several two-sport athletes to find some success early this season, including four members of the hockey team, one from the alpine skiing team, and a football player.

So what is it that has allowed the two-sport athletes to compete at such a high level on the court?

For dual sport athlete Ryan Mulder, hockey and tennis, it is all about mental toughness.

“We’ve been in stressful situations and know how to get through them and produce,” he said.

Mulder is 1-0 this season when playing with his doubles partner Trevor Hanna, who is also a member of the hockey team. He feels the two have great chemistry from playing together on the ice.

 “I feel comfortable out there with Trevor. I know his tendencies and attitude pretty well,” Mulder said.

But Mulder and Hanna aren’t the only two Spartan hockey players competing on the court this season.

Courtesy of Castelton Athletics
Kevin Rosset runs to return a shot in a match earlier this season.

After missing last season hockey and tennis seasons with a back injury, junior Kevin Rosset has contributed on the court by going 2-0 thus far in singles.

Rosset feels the presence of two–sport athletes has added some competition within the team.

“I believe we have a good group of competitive guys, and it helps bring adversity and challenges within the team to compete for a spot,” he said.

Among these competitors is football standout Soren Pelz-Walsh, who is excited to have the opportunity to play.

“Tennis provides the chance for us to continue to compete. Many of us grew up playing multiple sports and we do not want to go through the entire year with only one season,” he said.

The Spartans want to continue competing and feel that they have the ability to this season.

“Right now were ranked second, but I think we can challenge Colby-Sawyer for first place and the conference championship,” Mulder said.

Other two-sport athletes include men’s hockey goaltender Brody Wagner and alpine skier Andrew Overton.

Quentin Barthe, Seth Marcil and Tyler Wilcox have also added a great dynamic for the Spartans, and look to anchor the team.