When the Warren County High School tennis season begins next March, David Dunlap won’t be at the helm for the first time since 1991.After 22 years, Dunlap has decided to retire from coaching, leaving after one the most successful seasons during his tenure.The Pioneer tennis team is coming off three straight District 6-AAA championships, while the Lady Pioneers played for a district title for the first time this season since Dunlap has coached the team.The decision to retire was made long before the season began as Dunlap is ready to let someone else take the reins.“It’s been a fun run and I still enjoy it, but it’s time for some young person to take over,” said Dunlap.Dunlap took over the high school team in 1991, but has been around the game of tennis for nearly 30 years.Tennis didn’t draw in Dunlap until his was 30 and his wife registered him for a tennis tournament. After finishing second in the tournament, he was hooked.During his coaching career, Warren County won six district championships, two regional championships, and two Lady Pioneers played in the state tournament.Jamie Caten, whose nephew Bryce plays now, and Tina Volcheck each played in the state tournament under the tutelage of Dunlap.Countless players have learned the game under coach Dunlap and the retiring coach praised the players he got to teach the past two decades.“Coaching tennis, I’ve always had good kids to work with,” said Dunlap. “Our teams almost always had team GPAs of 3.5 or higher and were well behaved.
Dunlap retires