Boys tennis concluded their season on October 16th at the MHSAA State Finals. The team finished tied for 11th at states along with placing fourth among public schools. This was the first time the boys tennis team has reached the state finals.
This season for the boys tennis team was quite historic and successful. In a year of many firsts some of the highlights include winning the Huron League Championship, winning the Regional Championship, and beating rival Grosse Ile. The boys also went undefeated in Huron League Play, won the Lapeer Quad, and placed 3rd in the 12 team Midland Tournament.
“All of our accomplishments this year felt really good” says senior Trent Spradlin. Spradlin has been playing for 2 years now and has been one of the teams most successful players at 3 doubles with partner Adam Du Bois. The two have been partners for 2 years and seem to have a great bond.
His partner Adam Du Bois said “ I felt great about the season, it’s amazing because our original goal was just to beat Grosse Ile. Once we beat them everything else was a bonus.” Adam played tennis all 4 years of highschool and is one of two seniors to do so. Coach Rodriguez has been coaching the boys team for 14 years now and had never beaten Grosse Ile until this season also it was the first time the Big Reds had also won the Huron League Title. The first league title seemed to mean a lot to the boys and Coach Rod.
Freshman Gunnar Kruise receipted his favorite team memory as “Winning the Huron League Championship with the team.”
The head of the Big Reds were headed at the top by junior Matthew Bowman, sophomore Marco Kilguss and 1 doubles team Ryder Knox and Zach Spradlin. Knox and Spradlin had a historic season. The duo finished with the greatest single season record in school history and were also elected first team All State. Spradlin a senior was also, a 2 sport athlete in the fall, also running cross country for the Big Reds. His commitment to both sports really brought a lot to the school and to both teams. His partner Ryder Knox was also a senior and has been a two time team captain. Knox has been playing tennis for all four years of his high school career and will go down in history as the winningest player ever for the Big Reds.
The tennis team definitely had a historic season with many firsts and a talented group of players. They were headed by a strong coaching staff including Coach Rodriguez, Coach Hull, and Coach Denham. With a great team chemistry from all players and coaches the team really was able to enjoy themselves and make a great impact!
Image Via: home of the milan big reds - Athletics
Comments