Smashing the ball against the court, racking up points by the net and putting in hours of practice, one sports team is on the road to a successful season; varsity boys tennis.
Hard work pays off. With a series of successes in their dual matches and a 7-0 record, the wildcats once again are destined for a winning season. The season began with a home match win against Kenowa Hills, starting their impressive record.
Head coach Seth Howe is delighted with how the boys are competing this season. He attributes the team’s success to their hard work and mindset on the court.
“Their attitudes are good, and we are undefeated in dual matches,” Howe said. “Tennis is fun and the players enjoy their time on the court.”
According to Howe, the players have done an efficient job in enhancing their skills at practices. They first have to make the team and then invest hours of practice.
“Players had to work through a long tryout process to establish a team and a line up,” Howe said. “[At practice] we work on skills, technique and conditioning. The boys have been working hard and improving.”
Senior Jake Neumann has been involved in tennis since seventh grade. He is pleased with how his final season is playing out and has high hopes for what the team can achieve throughout the, so far, undefeated season.
“It has been going pretty good, we’ve won most of our one-on-one matches but the tournaments were kind of hard,” Neumann said. “I hope we win some more of our harder matches and individually keep getting better everyday.”
A significant factor in the success of a team is their connection and camaraderie. In Neumann’s experience, this aids him in matches with his doubles partner Asher Vincent.
“Me and my partner, we have some good chemistry and so far we are undefeated in our [dual] matches,” Neumann said. “We like to communicate and it always helps that way.”
Leadership from the coaches is important, but certain players have stood out and have displayed growth. Senior Caleb Howe acknowledges the determination and diligence it takes in practice to achieve their impressive record.
“Practice is practice for a reason,” Caleb said. “We always really try to focus and concentrate on what we need to work on as a team. Everyday, based on our last match, we focus on what everybody struggled with. So we are progressively getting better throughout every match that we play.”
Caleb in action receiving the ball at a Holland match. Playing on first singles this season, he has put in the work.
Encouragement from teammates and how the players bond also plays an important role.
“We are all very comfortable with each other,” Caleb said. “Nobody takes anything too seriously [and] when it comes to something important like with matches we always cheer each other on and everyone knows we are hoping for the best for each other.”
With the tennis season already halfway done, Coach Howe has high ambitions for what is to come.
“My hopes for the season are that my players put forth their best effort and attitude throughout the season,” Howe said. “I want players to understand that improving doesn’t always happen naturally, you get in what you put in.”
