Yorktown’s Ian Landwehr celebrates after his 102 career win Thursday evening at the tennis sectional held at Delta High School. Landwehr holds the record for wins in the state after the victory.
Yorktown’s Ian Landwehr finishes his 102 career win Thursday evening at the tennis sectional held at Delta High School. Landwehr holds the record for most wins in the state during a career after the victory.
Yorktown’s Ian Landwehr returns the serve from his Delta opponent Thursday evening at the tennis sectional held at Delta High School. Delta won the sectional 4-1.
Delta’s Joe Wegener volleys against his Yorktown opponent Thursday evening at the tennis sectional held at Delta High School. Delta won the sectional 4-1.
Yorktown’s Ian Landwehr volleys against his Delta opponent Thursday evening at the tennis sectional held at Delta High School. Delta won the sectional 4-1.
Delta’s Jason Wegener serves during his match up with his Yorktown opponent Thursday evening at the tennis sectional held at Delta High School. Delta won the sectional 4-1.
Yorktown’s Ian Landwehr volleys against his Delta opponent Thursday evening at the tennis sectional held at Delta High School. Delta won the sectional 4-1.
Delta’s Jason Wegener is locked in a volley with his Yorktown opponent Thursday evening at the tennis sectional held at Delta High School. Delta won the sectional 4-1.
MUNCIE — Two things are as sure as the air turning cold come October.
Delta boys tennis winning a sectional title, and Yorktown’s Ian Landwehr winning his individual match.
Delta won the Delta Sectional, its 23rd in a row, by defeating Yorktown 4-1. At the same time, Landwehr’s victory was the 102nd of his career and broke the IHSAA record for wins.
Ultimately, both the Eagles and Landwehr did exactly what they’ve done all season.
For Delta, winning sectionals is almost expected with the dynasty in place. It never gets old for Eagles coach Tim Cleland, who’s seen dozens of players come through the system. For him, taking the sectional title is always an adventure because there’s no guarantee of success when the five spots are constantly rotating and changing after every season.
“The reason it’s never old hat is because it’s not the same kids,” Cleland said. “It’s always new kids, always new situations, always new drama.”
He pointed out a three-set victory from his No. 1 doubles team of Jacob Brewer and Matt Hapner over a previously undefeated Yorktown squad of Mitchell Minniear and Abe Rosenthall. Going into the match, Yorktown’s duo was the presumed favorite.
Brewer and Hapner teamed up just two weeks ago, but proved anything can happen, part of why sectionals never get old for Cleland and assumptions can never be made. Part of building Delta into the powerhouse it is comes down to not underestimating opponents and encouraging players to reach their full potential. Singles players Joe Wegener and Jason Wegener also won, as did the No. 2 doubles team of Tannon Dishman and Nick Bantz.
“You treat tennis not like a minor sport but as a major sport,” Cleland said. “It’s in how the kids carry themselves, how you prepare for each match, you have total buy-in.”
With another sectional in the books, Delta turns its attention to the Marion Regional Tuesday and Wednesday next week, and so does Landwehr.
When he won the final point of his match, Landwehr looked momentarily calm, before flinging his racket high into the air and letting out a loud yell.
To him, it was more than just another victory. The record-breaking win was on his mind for days leading up to the match, especially after his Tigers advanced through the semifinals on Wednesday.
Yorktown’s Ian Landwehr tosses his racket in the air after his 102th career win Thursday evening at the tennis sectional held at Delta High School. Landwehr hold the record for wins in the state after the victory.
He talked to Yorktown athletic director Kyle Hall Thursday morning, and they spoke about sticking to the game plan and accepting the outcome, whatever it may be.
“The record was on my mind quite a bit, it’s been a long time that the record has been maintained,” Landwehr said. “But from now on I need to move forward and focus on Marion next week.”
Landwehr said his teammates and parents kept their distance throughout the day, telling him to go out and play his best, but shying away from the topic of the record.
In baseball, it’s customary to leave a pitcher alone when he’s throwing a no-hitter or perfect game. Landwehr’s teammates didn’t want to put any added pressure on the senior, who advanced to play individually throughout the rest of the postseason.
Less than a week ago, he lost to Richmond’s Eric Hollingsworth, the only blemish on his season and the first time he lost a regular season match since his freshman year.
“It’s difficult to handle and left a bitter taste in my mouth,” Landwehr said. “But that loss motivated me to come out stronger and hopefully I get to play him again in the coming weeks.”
Contact prep sports writer David Polaski at dpolaski@muncie.gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @DavidPolaskiTSP.