The 2025 Dan Staggs Tennis Tournament recently concluded in Ottumwa, showcasing a remarkable display of local talent and competitive spirit on the courts. This annual event, a cornerstone of the community’s sports calendar, once again brought together seasoned players and rising stars, culminating in thrilling championship matches that captivated attendees and marked the unofficial start of the new tennis season for many.
Among the standout performances, Madalynn Sertterh clinched her first championship title in the girls’ 18-and-under division. Her decisive victory over Sonya Lundgren in the final, with sets concluding 6-3 and 6-4, highlighted Sertterh’s powerful serve and strategic court play, earning her a well-deserved place in the tournament’s history, named after Ottumwa’s revered Hall-of-Fame head tennis coach.
Joining Sertterh in the winner’s circle was four-time Staggs champion Logan Storto, who secured his third 18-and-under singles title in a grueling contest. Storto demonstrated exceptional resilience, coming back from a second-set loss to defeat his doubles partner, Dominick Rath, in a tense third-set super-tiebreaker, sealing the match 7-5, 0-6, 10-7.
The tournament also featured a robust 21-player adult division, which kicked off with several compelling opening-round matches. Gretta Rath notably secured an early victory when her opponent, Jarrett Wellings, retired due to the intense late-afternoon heat, signaling the demanding conditions faced by the athletes throughout the competition.
Further action in the adult division saw Marcus Storto advance confidently into the second round, sweeping Akian Jones with scores of 6-4 and 6-0. This dominant performance set up an anticipated clash with the defending tournament champion, Toby Schmidt, promising another high-stakes encounter for tennis enthusiasts.
Adding to the tournament’s excitement, Marty Schmidt, Toby’s father, navigated a challenging two-hour match against Fernando Guerrero, securing a 6-1, 6-2 victory that included a marathon 28-point game in the second set, demonstrating the enduring passion and skill of veteran players.
The return of Moses Merrill to competitive play, marking his first appearance since his senior season at Ottumwa High School in spring 2024, was also a highlight. Merrill delivered a convincing 6-4, 6-3 sweep against Saint Mary’s (Kansas) senior Courtney Standley, showcasing his continued prowess on the court.
The second day concluded with a thrilling contest featuring Monse Guerrero-Chapula, a former Dan Staggs champion and Standley’s doubles partner. Guerrero-Chapula emerged victorious in a hard-fought battle against recent OHS graduate Caleb Ziegler, triumphing 5-7, 6-2, 10-7 in a decisive super-tiebreaker, bringing an electrifying close to a day filled with memorable tennis.
The 2025 Dan Staggs Tennis Tournament reinforced Ottumwa’s rich tennis heritage, providing a platform for both established and emerging talents to compete at a high level. The victories and intense matches promise an exciting future for local tennis, drawing attention to the dedication and sportsmanship prevalent in the community’s athletic endeavors.
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