The Butler boys tennis team enters the 2005 season without high expectations.

And coach Aaron Wilf is perfectly fine with that.

"There's not going to be any pressure on us this year," said Wilf. "It's going to be nice not having that bulls-eye on our back."

Last season, Butler was the team to beat after winning the section title in 2003.

The team ended up second in Section 2-AAA a season ago with an 8-2 record (13-5 overall) and made the WPIAL team playoffs along with section champ North Allegheny.

But gone from that squad are top singles player Brad Straub and doubles players Mike Vollmer and Steve Pichler.

Straub graduated as Butler's all-time leader in singles wins with 55.

Stepping into the No. 1 singles spot this season is senior Ike Backstrom.

"All the guys look up to Ike," said Wilf. "He's got a strong work ethic and sets the bar pretty high for the other guys. He's going to be a big key for us."

Juniors Andrew Thompson and Steve Shetter will man the second and third singles spots, respectively.

In doubles play, juniors Adam Kowalski and Doug Pichler have a strong hold on the top spot, while the second duo is up for grabs between first-year senior Frank Young and sophomores Andrew Direnzo and Wes Hortert.

"We've got some holes to fill," said Wilf. "…but it's going to give some different guys the opportunity to step up for us."

The Golden Tornado will be competing in a very strong section.

"North Allegheny is going to be better this year and both Hampton and Seneca Valley have gotten stronger," said Wilf. "I'd say this is one of the deepest sections in all of the WPIAL."

Following are preview capsules for the five area boys tennis programs:

Coach:Aaron Wilf, third yearClassification:AAA2004 record:13-5First match:Today, at Fox ChapelSingles:1-Ike Backstrom (senior), 2-Andrew Thompson (junior), 3-Steve Shetter (junior)Doubles:1-Adam Kowalski/Doug Pichler; the second spot is up for grabs.Outlook:"I think we can do well," said Wilf. "There's no pressure on us this year and I think we could shock some people."

Coach:Lorraine Gilson, 29th yearClassification:AA2004 record:12-2 (both losses came to Hickory)First match:March 30th, vs. HickorySingles:1-Mark Schnelzer (senior), 2-Drew Bestwick (sophomore), 3-Matt Kiser (freshman) or Nate Thomas (junior)Doubles:The number one spot is up for grabs between the duos of Ben Arnhold/Andy Lee and Josh Lynn/Dan Spears.Outlook:"We expect to be the team to beat in our region," said Gilson. "We're staying positive. Our number one singles player, Mark Schnelzer, played in the number three spot last year. He's got a good attitude and is very coachable."

Coach:Tom Gammell, eighth yearClassification:AA2004 record:The Knights finished the season near .500First match:Today, vs. Sewickley AcademySingles:1-Evan Shaffer (junior), 2-Ben Zimmerman (senior), 3-Adam Napora (sophomore)Doubles:1-Josh Hashmi/Tony Doyle; the number two spot is up for grabs at this point.Outlook:Knoch dropped down to Class AA after spending its first seven seasons in Class AAA. The Knights lost their top three singles players to graduation."Hopefully, moving to AA will benefit us," said Gammell. "It's going to be a rebuilding year for us, but the kids are enthusiastic."

Coaches:Bill Pettigrew, Kent ShoemakerClassification:AA2004 record:The Planets finished third in their section behind Sewickley Academy and Quaker ValleyFirst match:Today, at BurrellSingles:1-Chris Morgan (junior), 2-Steven Smail (junior); the third spot is up for grabs between juniors Devin Hileman, Adam Dillner and Andrew DillnerDoubles:1-Nick Campbell/Brad Hasek, 2-Dan Klodowski/Sam PangasOutlook:"There are some positions still being sought after," said Shoemaker. "But it's nice to have a strong player like Chris in that No. 1 singles spot. Plus, our two kids in the top doubles spot are both seniors."

Coach:Eric Grove, fourth yearClassification:AAA2004 record:10-5; the Raiders had their first winning season since the 1980s.First match:Today, at AmbridgeSingles:1-Scott Golmic (senior), 2-Caleb Zelanko (sophomore), 3-Ryan Zipf (freshman) or Josh Giancola (sophomore)Doubles:1-Senior Jon Hartzel will be paired with either Zipf or Giancola. The number two spot is up for grabs, with the duo of Caleb Hudspath and Sean Moore the current front runner.Outlook:"For the last three years, our goal was to have a winning record," said Grove. "We reached that last season. Our goal this year is to make the playoffs, which means we'll have to finish in the top two in our section."