Athlete(s) of the Week: Max LeBlanc and Nicholas Wong

Nicholas Wong is a freshman just starting his career at Fort Lee High School; Max LeBlanc is close to graduating. But the two came together for a season and made magic on the tennis court.

This duo had a regular season record of 12-1 and won both of their state tournament matches this week, even though the team itself lost 3-2 in a tough match against James Caldwell High School that eliminated them from the tournament.

On Wednesday LeBlanc and Wong defeated their opponents from West Essex in two sets, 6-1, 6-3. The team went on to win that round by the score of 5-0. The tag team then went on to have a magnificent match against their James Caldwell opponents sweeping them in two sets, 6-0,6-0. On the court chemistry has been a big part of their success.

“Currently Max and I are like your right and left hands," said Wong. “Nowadays, we practically get around the court to the ball all the time because we are so used to playing with each other we know who's going to hit each ball. Primarily, Max is 6 feet 1.5 inches, his height is a huge advantage to us because he makes smashing overheads and volleys so easy. So if I hit a good serve and we get a weak return, Max is up there to smash the ball. This has worked very well so far.”

Max agreed that the really got to know each other well and how they played and where they would be on the court.

“Playing with Nick was a great match for me as he plays a similar game of tennis like me which is being aggressive and going for winners," said LeBlanc. "I also think our communication was pretty good. We also always try to motivate each other even if we lose a point.”

The season has ended, but LeBlanc will be leaving the school to graduate knowing that something special happened at Fort Lee this Spring.

“This season was by far the best season for Fort Lee Tennis overall," said LeBlanc. "I think we were #1 in our division because everyone on the team is motivated to win. Whether its singles or doubles, our team was able to pull through because they believed in themselves and knew that they could win. Everybody was pretty mentally tough which is what tennis is mostly about.”

Both players also enjoyed playing for their coach a great deal and know that his hard work and how he has led by example has helped lead to the team’s success.

“Coach Zappel is an amazing coach," said Wong. “He’s always so humorous; I've known him form the Lewis F. Cole Middle School when I attended it. He's also very hard working, each Saturday morning from 9-11am he's usually the first on the courts for practice.”

 It was certainly a memorable season for Leblanc, Wong and the rest of the hard-working Bridgemen tennis team.