You have to listen carefully when Falcon tennis coach Tom Kramer speaks.

“So far we haven’t replaced the seniors we lost,” Coach Tom Kramer said.

“We’re headed there,” he added cryptically. “But it’s up to them.”

“There” must mean that special place reserved for long-time tennis coaches who always are looking for the horizon, yet never quite find it.

“Last year’s team was tougher; this year’s isn’t at the same level but they don’t have as much experience yet,” Kramer said. “They need to be mentally tougher and that will come as the season wears on.”

During a recent practice session, when asked if the automatic ball machine serves the same as a human opponent, senior Andrew McKenzie answered, “It always gives up the perfect shot.”

To which Kramer quickly added, “And I want a perfect shot back!”

He was serious, too.

South Whidbey faces a tough schedule this year as they move into the Northwest League due to the lack of schools offering tennis as a sport.

“Before we’ve only played these big schools — Anacortes, Bellingham, Burlington, Sedro-Woolley, Mount Vernon — in the playoffs but now they’re a regular part of the schedule with 16 matches. This is a major step up for us,” Kramer said.

Kramer has high hopes. Senior Jason Craig more clearly understands what he needs to do to get to that mystical “there.” Jeff Carmichael is doing a better job controlling the ball.

“He’s much more focused but has a way to go yet,” the coach noted.

Craig thinks the coach may have a point. “Tennis is a good game, one that I love,” he said. “This is my sixth year and I’m discovering that I can be more focused if I can keep my anger under control. It comes with maturity.”

For Carmichael, winning is more of a personal thing.

“We all have a lot of work to do but Coach Kramer is a genius on the court and in the classroom,” he said. “The coach always says, ‘If you’re not first you’re the last’ — that will never change.’”

Beyond the top six or seven players, Kramer feels there are two or three who could put it all together and distinguish themselves, including Sean Hough, Brendan Toyama, Andrew McKenzie and Matt Idsl.

Fans can catch the team play at home beginning at 3:30 p.m. Friday when Coupeville visits.