Boys varsity tennis season concludes
On May 3rd, Boys Varsity Tennis suffered a difficult 5-0 loss to Shadyside Academy, concluding their season. Although some players will never hit the court again, many members of the team will return next spring, at both the high school and collegiate level.
Tennis is not strictly a spring sport; rather, it’s a year round commitment of training and conditioning.
“Prior to the official start of the season (the second week of March), we got together and trained year round,” said captain Nicholas Cormas (12). “Indoor or outdoor, we enjoyed working together to get better.”
This year, the team consisted of the following varsity pairs and singles; Bret Vilage, Brady Johnson, Chase Rose, Nicholas Cormas and Cole Kubistek, Max Snyder and Liam O’Brien. The team traveled around the Pittsburgh area, with their first match at Valley High School. Although they suffered a 1-4 loss, the boys weren’t going to let them drag down the rest of the season.
“I wasn’t too bothered by the loss,” said Cormas. “We had just started officially practicing for the season and did not have too high expectations.”
Nevertheless, the boys persisted, gaining a 5-0 against Mr. Pleasant the following day. For the remainder of March and April, the team carried out there regular season, ending with a winning record of 7-5; but, the season did not end there.
“Through dedication and hard work we accomplished our goal of making the playoffs for the 3rd straight season,” said head coach Wendy Johnson. “Additionally, Section Singles players Brady Johnson and Bret Vilage advanced to the semifinals as did both of our Section Doubles teams of Brady Johnson/Nicholas Cormas and Bret Vilage/Chase Rose.”
Despite being knocked out of the WPIAL Team Playoffs by Shadyside, the boys are content with their season.
“We had a great season,” said captain Brady Johnson. “I am really proud of how the team kept working hard no matter what the situation.”
Although 5 out of 7 varsity team members will be graduating, Coach Johnson is optimistic about the future of the team.
“Junior Cole Kubistek and Sophomores Max Snyder, Braydon Prutz, Nick Patter, Luke Valdes and Carter Butker will lead the way for the Knights next season,” said W. Johnson. “We also have several freshmen who will be key contributors to the starting line up.”
Two graduating seniors, Bret Vilage and Brady Johnson, will be playing tennis at the collegiate level. Vilage was awarded a full tuition scholarship to Thiel College and will compete within the NCAA Division III league. Johnson will join Vilage in the D3 league at St. Vincent College.
“I am excited to play at the collegiate level,” said B. Johnson. “It will be a big change, but I am ready.”
Departing senior Nicholas Cormas leaves his younger teammates with brief words of advice.
“Have fun.”
Maleah Phetsomphou is a senior at Norwin High School. This is her third year writing for the Knight Krier Newspaper. She is co-host of “The To-Knight...
