Submitted Report
Advancing players to the regional tennis tournament in San Antonio this week, the Hays Rebel tennis team closed out a tough season with a lot of wins.
We had one of the best seasons in the school’s history, Hays head coach Debbie Cook said. “I don’t remember having any kind of season like this before – not with so many players getting into the semis and finals of most of the tournaments we entered.”
The winning spring season followed a good showing by the Rebels, as they finished fourth in their fall team tennis, losing in a tough match to Kerrville Tivy.
In spring competition, the doubles team of Zack Curry and Ryan New got to the finals and won first place in most of the tournaments they entered. “Both these boys are sophomores and we look for great things from them in the future,” Cook said.
At the April 8-9 district tournament, the Rebels faced tough competition in powerhouses Alamo Heights and Boerne Champion. “Curry and New played one of the best boys doubles matches I have seen, coming out on top in the quarterfinals. They did face the eventual district champions from Alamo Heights and finished a respectful fourth place in probably the toughest division in this competition,” Cook said.
In the boys singles division, on his way to placing second, Jackson Johnson went through the second seed from Kerrville Tivy, and against players from Boerne Champion and Alamo Heights. “Jackson Johnson had one of the most amazing district tournaments I’ve been a part of in some time,” Cook said. Jackson advanced to the Region 4 – 4A Tennis tournament held in San Antonio on Tuesday and Wednesday. Results of the tournament were not available as of press time.
New changes in UIL competition for next year’s competition means the top four teams in each district will advance to the next level of compeition.
The Rebels will return a large portion of their team for next year’s fall and spring competition. While seniors Sarah Farrell, Katelyn Allred, Tad Klamert, Sam Simoneau and Jackson Johnson will be leaving, Cook says the remaining players are strong.
Remaining members of the varsity team include Haley Butler, Grace Ortiz, Antonio Sanchez, Sean Farrell, Dustin Zimmerman and Grant Garcia.
“I am so proud of all of our players for their successes this season,” Cook said. “We really had a fun season, the winning helps that. But these players really work hard and are vested in making our program a good one. You can teach skills, but you can’t teach desire and determination, teamwork and playing with heart. That’s what Rebel Tennis is all about.”
