What's all the raquet about?
By Mitchell Stevenson
Posted May 20, 2016
Posted May 20, 2016
Boys Varsity Tennis Team
Boys JV Tennis Team
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Tennis is a perfect combination of violent action taking place in an atmosphere of total tranquility, according to the head coach of the tennis team in Aitkin, Jennifer Waldorf. She likes coaching here once she gets past the stuff behind the scenes. Once she gets on the courts she loves the game and loves what the game does for a person. It’s a great balance between extreme power and moments of finesse. On a sunny, warm day, there is nothing better than going out and playing. Student-athletes learn how to compete, be a good sport, give 100 percent effort and a have a positive attitude.
The team this year has 25 guys out who are a very talented, athletic group of young men that know the value of tennis. When they are on the courts they have fun so they can show the people how cool the sport really is. Last year's team finished with a record of 3-11, but this year they are going to be much better because there were no seniors last year and now the players have a lot more experience. One thing that they could do better is have more confidence and play matches like they are in practice. There is a lot of good competition on the schedule this year as Aitkin is in one of the hardest sections in the state.The two main teams the team has to beat to make it to state are ranked in Minnesota’s top 10, Hibbing and Cloquet. In order to win the conference they have to get past Foley, who is also ranked in the top 10. The key players to watch out on the courts are senior Bryce Haugly, senior Franklin Real, senior Brett Harris, junior Jacob Hagestuen, and junior Josh Carlberg as they were either All Conference or honorable mentions. The anchors for the team on the other hand changes from match to match because each position is worth one point and teams need four points to win a match. Players need to play the right match on the right day to advance deep into sections. Bryce Haugly has one of the better chances as he has been No. 1 singles for the past three years and he might make a splash in doubles. “Tennis is radical,” said Franklin Real. |