Men's tennis relies on first-year talent
Kat Dankowski
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
This year’s men’s tennis team will have to fight the odds to succeed this season. In the past five years Head Coach and Tennis Pro Randy Malone has rebuilt the tennis program at CLC. He accomplished this with five winning seasons with the women’s tennis team, yet struggles with the men’s because of problems on and off the court.
Unfortunately, this year the men’s team does not have any returning players. Malone said they are a very inexperienced team.
Recruiting is also difficult with so many high school players going to four year colleges, said Malone.
“We don’t get good players from areas like Grayslake or Vernon Hills, the ones that have more experience in high school,” said Coach Malone.
Up and coming freshman, Andrew Yopp, who Coach Malone said has real talent, is someone to watch this season. The left-hander will be playing singles and doubles.
With inexperience and no veterans to lead the way, the weather seems to be against them as well. There are no indoor courts at CLC and snow is still melting in some areas.
However, the snow finally began to melt in some areas, said Sophomore Eric Zeddies.
Deer Creek Courts in Highland Park, where Coach Malone instructs, has opened their indoor facility to CLC men’s tennis players to practice and prepare for the upcoming season.
“You have to practice,” said Malone.
The team has been traveling to the courts at least twice a week for the last few months. The drive to Highland Park, as well as the practices, can be draining for some players.
In general, the lack of resources at CLC makes it “tougher getting the team ready,” said Coach Malone.
With much success in the past, Malone wants to help mold his team for the future. He keeps his hopes high and his expectations low.
“This is going to be a tricky year,” said Malone.
Recruiting is also difficult with so many high school players going to four year colleges, said Malone.
“We don’t get good players from areas like Grayslake or Vernon Hills, the ones that have more experience in high school,” said Coach Malone.
Up and coming freshman, Andrew Yopp, who Coach Malone said has real talent, is someone to watch this season. The left-hander will be playing singles and doubles.
With inexperience and no veterans to lead the way, the weather seems to be against them as well. There are no indoor courts at CLC and snow is still melting in some areas.
However, the snow finally began to melt in some areas, said Sophomore Eric Zeddies.
Deer Creek Courts in Highland Park, where Coach Malone instructs, has opened their indoor facility to CLC men’s tennis players to practice and prepare for the upcoming season.
“You have to practice,” said Malone.
The team has been traveling to the courts at least twice a week for the last few months. The drive to Highland Park, as well as the practices, can be draining for some players.
In general, the lack of resources at CLC makes it “tougher getting the team ready,” said Coach Malone.
With much success in the past, Malone wants to help mold his team for the future. He keeps his hopes high and his expectations low.
“This is going to be a tricky year,” said Malone.
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