Tennis Team Losing Some Major Players

The Fort Lee tennis team had a magnificent season this year, but four of their major players will not be there next season because they're graduating.

Max LeBlanc, Jason Halpern, Henry Huang and Peter Chin will be graduating this month and all four have been an important part of the team. Head Coach Philip Zappel enjoyed coaching the players during their time as Bridgemen.

"The seniors made my job easy this year," said Zappel. "They are all dedicated, smart, hard working individuals.  They came into the season already knowing my coaching philosophy.  They had the same expectations for themselves that I had.  We wanted to win the league.  We wanted to have a better showing at the county tournament.  We wanted to get at least as far as the second round of the state tournament.  We met and exceeded all of these goals.”

LeBlanc was a doubles competitor with his on-court partner, freshman Nicholas Wong. The duo enjoyed great success, and LeBlanc had a blast playing varsity tennis this season.

"I have really enjoyed being part of the tennis team this year," LeBlanc said. "It was a great experience for me as it has built confidence for me since I feel more mentally tough. Playing tennis gave me a mindset that was helpful."

Zappel knows how important LeBlanc was and how much potential he has in the future.

"This was Max's first year on the team," he said. "We felt fortunate to have him this year but wonder what could have been if he had decided to play sooner in his high school career.  Because his doubles partner was only a freshman, Max's maturity level provided balance. Max is a leader, not a follower. He is poised, confident, and wise beyond his years. He was a definite asset to our success this season."

LeBlanc will be attending Skidmore and plans on becoming a veterinarian.

Jason Halpern was a singles player and had a great season for Coach Zappel and the Bridgemen.

"Playing tennis for Fort Lee High School has created the best memories for me in my four years," Halpern said. "I gained so much by being a part of and leading the team. In addition, every season was so much fun because of how close the teammates were. I will truly miss varsity tennis."

Zappel appreciated Halpern’s hard work and leadership qualities.

"Jason pushed the other players to get better," he said. "His desire to win and improve was evident through his leadership. He was our captain and a four year letter winner so he had plenty of match experience under his belt."

Halpern will be attending the University of Delaware in the fall where he hopes to play club tennis.

Peter Chin was also a singles competitor and a great teammate on and off the court.

"Peter has a strong desire to please," Zappel said. "He wants what is best for the players around him.  He honestly and genuinely cares about his teammates on and off the court and never puts himself ahead of anyone.  This was great for the underclassmen to see.  He is a true team player and a pleasure to coach."

Chin’s hard work paid off as he had a successful career playing tennis for the Bridgemen.

Henry Huang will also be graduating this month, and he made his mark on the Fort Lee tennis program as well.

"Henry is our work horse," Zappel said. "He was always looking to stay late to drill in order to improve on a particular skill.  He made me raise my game as a coach."

The four seniors will be missed, but Yuki Takahashi, Andrew Lee and freshman Nicholas Wong will be looked to fill the void next tennis season.