The Bishop O'Connell Knights, coached by veteran Bob Kluba, earned the "bronze medal" in the prestigious 2005 WCAC Tennis Championships. The three-day affair was held May 3-5 at the College Park (Md.) Tennis Center.

Gonzaga won the team title with 33 total points. DeMatha earned the silver medal with 31 team points. O'Connell accrued 15 team points, which placed the Knights far ahead of Ireton, Paul VI, St. John’s, Good Counsel, McNamara and St. Mary's Ryken.

O'Connell's starting six singles players consisted of one senior, three sophomores and two freshmen.

"This was definitely one of the youngest teams that I have ever had," said Kluba.

Pacing the Knights was sophomore Milo Barajas-Alexander (singles #1) – who defeated Paul VI and Gonzaga in the first two rounds, before dropping a 10-2 championship match to DeMatha. On the season, Barajas-Alexander posted an outstanding overall record of 13-2.

"Milo has all of the equipment. He's a real good all-around player. He could be the best in the WCAC next season," said Kluba.

Sophomore Josh Labat (singles #2) defeated Ireton and Good Counsel in the first two rounds, before dropping a 10-1 championship match to DeMatha. On the season, Labat posted a 10-4 record.

"Josh can definitely play. He can hit the ball very hard. He just doesn't stay at the point as long as he could," said Kluba.

Winning their quarterfinal matches, but dropping their semi-final matches: sophomore Jordan Freeman (singles #3), senior Jonathan Caballero(singles #4), freshman Lawrence Franco (singles #5) and freshman Chris Miller (singles #6).

On the season, Freeman weighs-in at 6-4 overall (missed several matches), Caballero (7-4), Franco (10-2) and Miller (8-6).

In the 2005 WCAC doubles championships, Barajas-Alexander/Freeman teamed up at #1 and placed second overall; Labat/Miller teamed up at #2 and bowed out in the semi-finals; Caballero/Franco teamed up at #3 and also bowed out in the semi-finals.

The Knights finished the regular season with an impressive overall record of 9-2-1. O'Connell dropped matches to heavyweights Gonzaga and DeMatha, but spanked Ireton, Paul VI, McNamara and St. Mary's Ryken twice each.

In addition, the Knights defeated Good Counsel and tied St. John’s

3-3. Weather derailed the match with the Cadets before the doubles competition was completed and the match was never resumed.

"I thought that the players did very well in the regular season. If we can develop one or two more players for next year we are really going to give Gonzaga and DeMatha a run for their money next season," said Kluba.