Valley boys doubles tennis team to play in PIAA tournament

By: Matthew Purucker
Thursday, May 22, 2025 | 6:04 PM

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The Valley boys tennis team has had a banner season. The Vikings won the Section 1-2A title at 7-0, were runners-up in the WPIAL team tournament and reached the PIAA quarterfinals, finishing with an overall record of 14-2. That, however, is only part of the story.

The doubles team of senior Landon Harclerode and junior Tyler Quinn is headed to the PIAA championships this weekend at Hershey Racquet Club. Through WPIAL play, the duo’s only loss was to South Park’s Jonah Jasek and Steven Duing in three sets in the WPIAL doubles championship match.

“Competing in the WPIAL doubles finals was a profoundly significant accomplishment for them,” coach Rachael Link said. “All tennis WPIAL brackets are a gauntlet to travel through, as there are incredible programs at every round. Easy wins do not exist on a WPIAL tennis bracket. Landon and Tyler are aware of this. Therefore, them earning a coveted WPIAL medal validated the integrity and caliber of their tennis game.”

Harclerode, the team captain, has provided experience and leadership. He has been undefeated in singles in section play since his sophomore season, and his lone loss in singles this season was in the PIAA quarterfinals.

“My play style is to always change things up, never do the same thing over and over again,” Harclerode said. “That has helped me throughout the season because it never gave my opponent any time to get comfortable and be able to figure out what I was gonna do when I was playing.

“… You have to be able to hit many different ways by hitting different shots and paces, especially at that high of a level.”

He also has won a combined five section singles and doubles titles.

“Playing in District 7 has definitely prepared me for the PIAA state tournament,” Harclerode said. “Being able to play against that good of competition all year long has gotten me ready to be able to play against anyone there, no matter how good they are. I will be able to put up a fight even if the match doesn’t go in my favor.”

Quinn provides a contrast to his partner through measured and poised play. While Harclerode has more individual accolades, Quinn is excellent in his own right.

“Personally, I wanted to grow as a player and become more confident and consistent on the court,” Quinn said. “My main goals were to sharpen my skills, improve my mental toughness and compete at a higher level than I had before.”

Quinn has only two losses in singles this season. One was in the WPIAL team finals, which the Vikings lost to North Catholic, and the other was in the state quarterfinals.

“Landon and I work very well together,” Quinn said. “I feel I bring a lot of consistency and focus, especially during long rallies or tight moments in a match. Landon is an aggressive player and brings energy and communication to keep us locked in. We trust each other on the court and make sure we’re always communicating and adjusting our strategy based on how the match is going.”

Link had high expectations for Harclerode and Quinn going into the season, and they delivered. She wanted Harclerode to continue developing his leadership by passing his love for the game to his fellow players.

“I knew that the boys would follow his lead due to his devotion to the success of our entire team,” Link said. “He is a selfless leader, inspiring and challenging every court to enhance their game by the fact that he gives 100% at every practice. … This kid is special, and I believed with all of my heart that he was capable of extraordinary success.”

Link believed Quinn’s improvement from his sophomore to junior season was important to the team’s success. The mental part of the game became one of Quinn’s stronger assets, as he was able to keep up with the effort of Harclerode.

While no game was a specific turning point for the duo, the coaching staff knew from nearly the beginning of the year that they would have a special season.

“Our exhibition match against an excellent Mars program was pivotal, in my vision, for both of them. Honestly, they exceeded my expectations at that early juncture of the season,” Link said. “They were both fluid, consistent and effective all over the court. Seeing them locked in before section play opened ignited tremendous excitement and hope for the season.”

With the first round of the PIAA tournament imminent, Harclerode and Quinn will try to take the hard work they have put in this season end it strong with a deep state tournament run.

“Tennis is such a mental game, and a big part of our success has come from trusting each other and staying positive, even when things get tough,” Quinn said. “We’re proud of the work we’ve put in, and we’re excited to represent our school at the PIAA tournament. Whether we win or lose, we’re grateful for the experience.”

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