Tag Archives: tennis

Girls Tennis, Sports

Tennis team dives into the 2014 season

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By Melanie Parrish

Parents and friends alike cheer as sophomore Alex Jamison and junior Erin Patterson play doubles together against Columbus North in the tennis tournament on Saturday. Saturday’s tournament was the team’s first of the season.

“I think we’ve been doing pretty good,” said Patterson. “It’s a little different, because we had to start without our two best players.”

Both girls feel that the team will do well this year.

“With a lot of practices and matches, I think this season could turn out pretty good,” said Jamison.

“I believe we can get back to state this year,” Patterson added.

Coach James Markert also intends for the team to make a return appearance at state this season, for the fifth consecutive year.

“The last four years we’ve been in the top four teams in the state. I think we will this year, too,” he said.

The tennis team has made some changes in structure this year, as well as having fewer seniors.

“Last year we had a set goal, but this year, it’s all on the fly, which I like,” said Jamison.

The team, although having lost several All-State girls, has gained four new members.

“We have three new freshmen and our Italian foreign exchange student, Georgia. She’s awesome,” said Jamison. The new teammates have integrated well with the rest of the team.

“They get along really well,” said Patterson’s mother, Tami. “They have a really strong bond. I think they’ll do well this year.”

The tennis team’s next match is tomorrow (Tuesday, April 15) at home against New Albany.

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Junior tennis player balances activities, schoolwork

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By Sydney Sears

As junior Erin Patterson enters into school each day, she has more than just her school work on her mind.

“I play varsity tennis, I sing in a Cappella choir and chamber singers. I am also secretary of student council for this 2013-2014 school year. I am also traveling to Washington, D.C. with the constitutional government debate team this April,” said Erin.

Along with all of Erin’s extracurriculars she is also one of the top ranked students in the Junior Class. Erin shares that although it is hard to keep up, she tries not to procrastinate.

“Erin is an exceptionally fast learner. She can read or listen and comprehend things usually on the first pass through. She also has a sharp memory that allows her to recall things exactly as presented,” said Erin’s father, Kevin Patterson.

He also shared that Erin is extremely driven and completes her homework as soon as she arrives home from school.

These qualities, along with others, have allowed Erin to persevere through high school and prepare for her future.

“She’s not afraid to speak her mind and stands up for what she believes in,” said junior Bailey Smith.

Tennis coach James Markert has also seen Erin’s characteristics in tennis.

“As good as our teams have been over the years, our personality qualities have been even better, and Erin definitely showcases this.  She’s competitive, she’s a team player, she’s always willing to help her fellow teammates for the betterment of the team, and she likes to have fun on the court, which is crucial to our success,” said Markert.

Her parents have also helped her with preparing for the future.

“Hopefully, we have helped Erin by providing her the tools to be successful. Whether it is a computer, car, racquet, book or tennis shoe, we have tried to make sure she has what she needs,” said Kevin.

With all the activities Erin participates in, tennis is what she enjoys the most.

“Tennis is my favorite activity. I have been playing for years and I really enjoy the sport and the people with whom I play,” said Erin.

Markert has seen Erin improve vastly.

“I’ve seen her tennis skills improve every step of the way because those are more visibly noticeable, but she’s also making mental strides, as seen in some big wins last season during the heart of the run to state,” said Markert.

He has also seen Erin’s personality qualities shine.

“As good as our teams have been over the years, our personality qualities have been even better, and Erin definitely showcases this.  She’s competitive, she’s a team player, she’s always willing to help her fellow teammates for the betterment of the team, and she likes to have fun on the court, which is crucial to our success.”

Girls Tennis, Sports

Rising expectations give girls’ tennis team high hopes

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​By Rachel Lamb

Excitement filled FC’s girls tennis team last June when they brought home the title runner up in state. After accomplishing this, expectations started to rise for the upcoming season.

With conditioning already started and practice just around the corner, many  team members and their coach, James Markert, believe that going back to state again this year is possible.

“We definitely can make it back to state this year. Even though we lost a lot of experience and some of the best players to ever play tennis at FC last year,  we’ve still developed a program with some longevity,” said Markert.

Not only did the team lose some highly skilled players, but also four seniors.

Sophomore Callie Oaks shared her opinion on how losing the seniors is going to affect the team this year.

​”I think we depended on the upperclassmen too much last year and this year we need to learn to succeed without them.”

Even though this team is at a disadvantage with mostly underclassmen, there still are a few additions being made to the team.

“We’re adding a very talented exchange student, Giorgia Rossetto, who has already meshed wonderfully with the rest of the girls on the team,” said Markert.

Sophomore Emily Stock said having Rossetto is a sign of hope.

“We have a good team and especially now that we have Rossetto, I have faith that we can make it to state. ”

Another addition to the team are three freshmen that have been playing tennis since early middle school. The way that they have been preparing could lead the team to state.

“I have been playing with many of the girls for years and already have lots of experience with the coaches,” said freshman Madison Woosley.

Senior Dana Frank, who played on the number one doubles team last year, said that the team is ready.

“We’re on track for a spectacular season mainly because our team has a good deal of upside and all of us are working especially hard in areas that need heaps of improvement.”

Boys Tennis, Sports

Boys’ tennis seeks 22nd consecutive conference win

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By Eric Ordonez

As the leaves begin to fall down from the trees, the boys’ tennis team prepares for sectionals. They posted a 19-4 record as of Sept. 27 and did it with a unique team. Having only four seniors on the team, they were counted on to lead them to where they are now. Head coach Rick Miller said they are very talented and deep in different spots.

“Our goal this year is to win our 22nd. That is, our 22nd consecutive conference championship,” said Miller.

From the beginning of the pre-season, the goal for this team was to take home the conference win and extend the streak. It has been their motto ever since, and senior Jarret Oldham agrees.

“We’ve done really well this year, we’ve beat some pretty good teams. And we’re always trying to get better. But most importantly, we want to go deeper into the tournament,” said Oldham.

Junior Lucas Corley, a first year player, said he is excited to be on the team, and he is looking forward to sectionals.

“I’m looking forward to rolling through it like it’s a yellow light and you’re speeding through it,” said Corley.

The team began their sectional run on Wednesday, Sept. 28. Miller has them prepared to his liking and he said he believes they are playing their best tennis right now. He said he always wants to be playing the best tennis at the end of the year, because that is when it counts.