Moeller Tennis Returns From Disappointing Covid Hiatus
Varsity Head Coach Alex Thompson
Picture taken by: Bradley Coffey
Last spring, the Moeller tennis team unfortunately had their season cancelled due to Covid 19. Head coach Alex Thompson, the students, and the parents are preparing for a massive resurgence this upcoming season.
The cancellation of an entire season is not taken lightly, especially at a high school like Moeller. Head coach Alex Thompson talked about the team’s previous season, he said, “It’s honestly depressing, I mean you put in so much work during the offseason and having all of that taken away from you is truly heartbreaking.”
This upcoming season, Moeller’s tennis team is brought together by 3 seniors who are attempting to fill the leadership role of last years seniors. Coach Thompson said he was devastated to see the class of 2020 go without a season; Jacob Schwartz, Frank Michel, Jeff Shipley and more, were great assets to the team whether or not it was on or off the court.
Frank Michel and Steven Wehrmeyer strategizing between games. (2019)
Picture taken by: Bradley Coffey
When situations like these happen, people often don’t feel motivated enough to reach their destinations; however, the Moeller tennis team feels different. John Hough, head coach of the JV team shed some light on the situation saying, “Everyone has been challenged by not having a tennis season last year, but it makes everyone even more excited to get back out there with the team.” He also told me that, “The seniors will play a huge role this season due to their past experiences, they will be great role models for the younger kids”.
Sam Clark, a senior on the team, spoke about what his impact will be this season. “I plan on helping the younger players become more involved within the sport and feel included, and helping them when I can. I believe when we create a sport where we care for each other, we create a positive environment that is beneficial to our team.”
The team has been preparing all throughout the offseason in search of the GCL title. Coach Thompson talked about the team’s main obstacles this year to win the GCL, he said, “The team is always looking for ways to get on top of their main competitors. Saint Xavier would be our number one obstacle when it comes to winning the GCL”. Saint Xavier has always been great at sports, tennis being one of them. Moeller is always challenged by the athletic abilities that Saint X brings to the table, but this season Moeller is going for it all.
Coach John Hough spoke about the key players on the team. The Quiroga House Dean and tennis coach said, “We have a number of Juniors who have raw talent for the game of tennis. DeVinte Duinkerk, Zach Zieleniewski, and Dan Stedronsky are all monsters on the court, it’s really intimidating”.
Regardless of what obstacles the season brings, whether it’s a certain opposing team, or a pandemic, they push through it. Any obstacle can be overcome, it just depends on how much work you put in. This season Moeller is going to put the pandemic in the past and focus up on their goals.