The Bethel Wildcats boys tennis team knew this year was going to be a rebuilding one. With a numbers of players holding a racket for the first time, and a limited feeder system, they would rely heavily on their returning players.
“We only had ten or eleven kids come out this year,” said Coach Bob Owen. “We have had some great improvement overall as a team. Our record is 1-9, and we will probably end the season 3-10 or 3-11.”
Despite the lack of a formal system that supplies the high school team with players, like in soccer, baseball or football, the tennis team is working on other ways to develop the players that do come out for the team.
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“More kids are playing in the offseason, which helps a lot,” Owen said.
“One of our junior captains, Eric Bott, after last season he decided to play in the off season, and make it a full time commitment,” Owen said. “He has really gotten better at number one singles.”
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Bott’s improvement, and thus his number one singles position, means he is playing against the best of the best in the SWC. With powerhouse teams, like Newtown, it means some tough matches that are learning experiences to build upon for his senior season.
“He is having a bit of a frustrating season, as he is playing against the best in the league,” Owen said.
Bethel’s number two singles player is Nate Appelson. Despite improvement, he has faced some challenges this season. “He has been frustrated with some shoulder problems this season,” Owen said.
The team’s lone win as a team this season came against Immaculate. It was a close 4-3 victory at Immaculate back in April. Despite the one win, The Wildcats have had some particularly close matches this season. They had narrow 4-3 losses against New Fairfield, Bunnell and Brookfield; a foundation to build upon for next season.
“We have 3-4 seniors, and are hoping for some incoming freshman to bolster the team next year,” Owen said.
Owen said he knows that success isn’t measured only in the win/loss column. “The kids have a really great attitude.They want to work harder,” he said. “It is great to see their improvement. We may not be winning more, but as a team we are getting better.”
Despite their improvement this season, Owen said he doesn’t think it will be enough to qualify his athletes for the postseason play. “The guys are working hard, but I don’t think we will have people qualify for SWC’s or the state tournament,” Owen said.
The team is committed to becoming successful, and Owen has seen some of his players get bit by the tennis bug. “Some of our guys are starting to get addicted to it, and I think we will see a bunch more of them playing in the off season,” he said.
That can only mean good things for next year’s tennis squad.
Overall Results for the 2011 Season:
New Fairfield L 0-7
Immaculate W 4-3
New Milford L 0-7
Weston L 0-7
Joel Barlow L 1-6
New Fairfield L 3-4
Newtown L 0-7
Bunnell L 3-4
Masuk L 1-6
Brookfield L 3-4
Pomperaug L 0-7
Upcoming Match:
Wed., 5/18 Stratford Away
