It may be hard to believe now, but Pella Christian has enjoyed a rich history in the realm of boys tennis. Especially because there is no Eagles team competing in the sport now.

Pella Christian had a three year run unmatched by many in Iowa that started in 1993, and that ended two-and-a-half decades ago this week. The Eagles placed 3rd in the 1A tournament that year after defeating Red Oak in the consolation finals in the ’93 bracket. That finish sparked an incredible season ahead in 1994.

It’s been 26 years since Pella Christian claimed the Class 1A state title, which came in a 5-3 win over Camanche. Josh Bandstra, Jason Andringa, Brad Veenstra, Thomas Brand, Andrew Brand, and Scott Zwiers were members of the ‘94 1A champions. Thomas Brand and Veenstra were the doubles champions that season as well. The Eagles would fall to Camanche the following season 5-1 in those finals, with all but Andringa and Veenstra returning.

Eric Stursma was a 4th place finisher in 1996 and 1998 as an individual. A familiar name also competed in the state tournament — now CEO and President of Vermeer Corporation, Jason Andringa was a 3rd place finisher in the 1993 doubles tournament with Josh Bandstra, defeating a pair from Spencer 6-4, 2-6, 7-6. That pair would ultimately fall in the consolation round the following season, 6-4, 1-6, 3-6, to take 4th in the same season the Eagles claimed a team title.

Pella Christian has not fielded a boys tennis team since the spring of 2012, as in 2013, participation numbers had dwindled to just two athletes.