Freshman Tennis

Alex met Noah playing junior high age tennis. Both were playing singles. Both would be going to Stansbury High as freshman. That would mean competition for who might play above the other.

Coach Bob suggested that they play doubles. This would mean they play together and could potentially play varsity first or second. It would give them some really good experience playing against harder teams. That's a big deal for a couple of 14-year-old boys. Not many freshmen make the team much less play varsity.

I have loved watching these two play in tournaments, learn to communicate with their behind-the-back signs, and work through some hard matches.

They beat Park City to win region. And no one other than their coach was there to witness it. That made me sad. Dang job sometimes gets in the way. Next was state. They won the first round. Tyler took the day off to be there for the 2nd day and all day I waited to hear how they were doing. At 2pm, Tyler let me know that they still hadn't played and there was a rain delay. All of a sudden I had hope that I might be able to make it. 3:30 came and they still weren't on yet. Turns out they would be the last to play.

God gave me a tender mercy. He knew how badly I wanted to support Alex and be there ... and I'm so glad I made it. Those two played the best tennis I've ever seen them play. In fact some of the best tennis I've seen any of my boys play. There were a couple of sketchy calls. Alex and Noah played through. They were playing against a couple of juniors and the match came down to a tie break that they ended up losing.

Afterwards the other coach came up and told us that they were both a couple of classy boys who wowed a lot of the crowd that evening for not only their attitude but also for how young they were to be able to play at such a level.

Unfortunately, Noah will be going to the new high school which means no more doubles tennis. Instead they will be competitors. I really think they would have had a decent shot at taking state had they been able to stay together for the next 3 years.

Actitude: One of Alex's coaches is from South America and doesn't English well. He gave all the boys a personalized award. Alex got the Positive Actitude award and also the cheerleader award. That he is. Alex is always cheering on his teammates whether he is on the court or off the court.

Alex also caught up with some his other TALL tennis friends who go to Tooele High and his 2nd cousin.