David Dunlap is back in the saddle, or at least back on the tennis courts.

The longtime Warren County High School tennis coach is at it again. Dunlap has accepted the job as WCHS tennis coach after a seven-year absence.

“Hopefully, we can build the tennis program back up again,” said Dunlap, who noted interest in tennis has been waning. “If we can get some good athletes to come out and play, in one year we can get them playing pretty well.”

To start the process of preparing for the upcoming high school tennis season this spring, Dunlap is holding tryouts Friday, Nov. 6 and Saturday, Nov. 7 at 3:30 p.m. each day. The tryouts will be held at the courts named in his honor – David Dunlap Tennis Complex.

“One of the things I want to do with the tryouts is to introduce myself to the kids who want to play,” said Dunlap. “I think I might have given tennis lessons to one or two of the girls who might be interested in playing, but I don’t think I know any of the boys.”

Dunlap, who served as WCHS tennis coach for about 25 years, last coached the high school teams in 2013. At the peak of WCHS tennis, the boys team won three straight district championships.

“Building it back up will start with the middle school program,” said Dunlap. “We’re looking for a middle school coach right now so who knows. I may wind up coaching both teams again like I used to.”

Dunlap said he hopes to hold a winter tennis league when construction is finished on Milner Recreation Complex and that usually generates some interest among high school players.