Junior High Tennis

Seth was a bit iffy about playing tennis now that he is Junior High. Finally, though, he decided to play. He knew it would be hard to come in as a 7th grader after playing #1 Singles and get a spot on the Varsity team. He did play very well in the first few weeks, and since Coach Lance knew and trusted him, he was placed on a varsity doubles team.

Seth doesn't really love doubles, and he was at the bottom of the pecking order, so he moved between 2nd Doubles and 3rd Doubles, but he ran through several different partners throughout the season. He was having fun and playing well. 

Seth does not dress like a tennis player. 😂

Seth got to play with his friend Griff a few times and loved it.

Then came the State Qualifier, and Seth was partnered with Sam. The bad thing was, Seth was extremely sick for the entire week before. He had flu-like symptoms, and had missed 4 days of school. He was unable to hold down food and had no energy, but the qualifier came anyway. We didn't think Seth and Sam had a prayer of making it to State.

Fortunately, Sam was on his A-game. Seth played just well enough to get them through the first two matches. Then, they played a team from Mountain Ridge. Since MRJH was missing a player from their doubles team, the coaches agreed to let a 1st Doubles player, who'd already finished, play in the Championship. He was a 9th grader, which hardly seemed fair. Seth and Sam put up a valiant effort, but in the end, they took 2nd, which qualified them for State down in Provo.

Seth was so sick, but he didn't want to let his partner down.

The State Tournament was much more difficult. They played a team that was significantly better than them, and despite taking a 0-1, 0-40 lead, they ended up losing. They should have easily won the second round, but they had to sit for a long time in between, and we'd waited an hour and a half for the first match to start. When they were informed they'd have to win 4 more times to take 3rd Place, it took the wind right out of their sails. Though they were better tennis players, they didn't play like it, and ended up losing 8-6 despite a 4-6 lead late in the match. 

We were proud of Seth for working hard in tennis. He is a great player, and he really hopes to get back to Singles at some point!

The State tourney was rough, but tennis is always a good time.