The vaunted Cherry Creek High School boys tennis team suffered an unexpected loss Wednesday.

Senior Chris Cooprider, the Bruins No. 1 singles player, has decided not to compete in high tennis this fall.

Instead, Cooprider is going to attend the Advantage Tennis Academy in Irvine, Calif. Cooprider is scheduled to leave for Irvine Sept. 4 and return in mid-January. He will continue his high school education at San Joaquin High School. After playing at the academy, Cooprider plans to come back to Cherry Creek and graduate.

"I knew this was something that Chris had been considering for three or four weeks," said veteran Cherry Creek coach Kirk Price, whose team has won 34 of the past 36 state tennis crowns. "We will not have as strong a team if Chris were with us, but we will be fine. I have a great group of guys and we're looking forward to the challenge that's ahead of us."

The the 5-foot-7, 150-pound Cooprider won state at No. 2 singles last fall, and he also has a No. 1 doubles championship on his resume. His career prep record was 66-3.

Cherry Creek opens its tennis season Sept. 3 when it visits Kent Denver.

Price said senior Harry Jewett will replace Cooprider at No. 1 singles for the Bruins. Jewett has a 68-1 career prep record and he has won three state championships, including at No. 3 singles a year ago.

Junior Taylor Sargent and senior Connor Macey will fill the No. 2 and No. 3 singles, respectively, for Cherry Creek.