Sang Lee
BURBANK -- After a long summer of friendly exhibitions in the local
high school sports scene, competitive action is once again ready to
return as fall draws near.
Although the Burbank and Burroughs highs girls' tennis teams may share
the same city, both are in completely different worlds, with entirely
different objectives.
The Bulldogs come into this season as the reigning Foothill League
champions, while the Indians hope that experience will result in a better
finish than last year's fifth-place effort. But what the two teams do
have in common is they will have a fine core of returning players.
Here is a look at the upcoming season:
BURBANK
Coach Steve Starleaf wasn't Midas, but his touch was definitely made
of gold. In his first year as head coach of the girls' and boys' tennis
teams at Burbank, he created an early reputation worthy of departed Coach
Clyde Richards' legendary name.
Both of Starleaf's teams won Foothill League titles, sweeping through
league play unblemished.
It was the stuff that legends were made of. But now, Starleaf is
passing the torch of excellence to Burbank Tennis Center professional
Larry Lambert, who will take over the head coaching duties for both
teams.
Starleaf is stepping down from his role to take on another challenge.
"It was a personal reason," Starleaf said. "[My wife and I] are going
to try to have a baby. And the time commitment keeps me from being the
head coach."
Starleaf will stay on staff to help the teams condition during the
off-season.
Burbank doesn't lose anything with Lambert as its coach. Having
coached 12-and-under boys' and girls' teams at the Burbank Tennis Center
for five years, many of his former players are on the Bulldog teams.
And as for the tradition of success incorporated at Burbank, Lambert
is very familiar with that. His girls' 12-and-under team has won the
Southern California championships two of the last four years, and the
boys' team captured one title.
"We bring in the younger kids to our program," Lambert said of Burbank
High.
"I still expect to win the league, at least. We lost some seniors and
our team is younger, but they still get along. Once we get into shape,
we'll definitely be a contender."
Returning for the Bulldogs is Foothill League singles champ Olga
Yepremian. Talented and improved from last season, Yepremian should lead
the team.
Last season, Yepremian helped the Bulldogs to a 15-3 record, as the
team advanced to the CIF Southern Section Division III quarterfinals,
