Boys’ tennis: Count on Kling to keep winning at Palisades

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No one has won more City Section titles than Palisades tennis coach Bud Kling. And he isn’t done winning quite yet.

Since taking over the boys program in 1979 and the girls in 1984, Kling has guided the Dolphins to 30 City titles. He has built a record of—get this—842 wins and 83 losses, a .910 winning percentage.

Kling is the first to admit he’s had his share of talent to work with, but he’s also a master strategist who, even in the lean years, knows how to get the most out of his players.

“One reason we’re successful is that I drill my kids hard in practice so they develop their skills, especially in doubles,” Kling said. “The key is to have depth in order to eliminate weaknesses in your lineup.”

No one has won more City Section titles than Palisades tennis coach Bud Kling. And he isn’t done winning quite yet.

Since taking over the boys program in 1979 and the girls in 1984, Kling has guided the Dolphins to 30 City titles. He has built a record of—get this—842 wins and 83 losses, a .910 winning percentage.

Kling is the first to admit he’s had his share of talent to work with, but he’s also a master strategist who, even in the lean years, knows how to get the most out of his players.

“One reason we’re successful is that I drill my kids hard in practice so they develop their skills, especially in doubles,” Kling said. “The key is to have depth in order to eliminate weaknesses in your lineup.”

Kling stepped down as girls coach after the team’s third consecutive City title (and 14th under Kling) in the fall. He begins his 30th season with the boys today and the Dolphins find themselves in an unusual position—trying to regain the title rather than defend it.

“We lost to Taft in the finals last spring so hopefully we can win it back,” Kling said. “We’ve only got two senior starters and we’re very young in singles, so a lot depends on how much we improve.”

-- Steve Galluzzo