Last Wednesday, May 1, the Madison High School Boys’ Varsity Tennis Team won against Whippany Park in a 5:0 home game, winning the team its seventh game of the season. Since last Wednesday, it has won one more game, earning it a solid 8:3 record.
The team hopes to continue its winning streak, especially as members compete for States. It has already won its first round of States by default. Captain Kevin Reichek says, “It’s probably been our strongest year in a long time. We’re also probably the closest team we’ve ever had.” But he acknowledges that because tennis is such an individual activity, it’s difficult to get the same kind of camaraderie that is present in so many other sports.
However, Reichek and the other seniors Eric Lehmann, Sean Haughey, and Jack Rutland are close to one another after having played on the Madison team the past couple of years. They have recently taken on more responsibility as captains, acting as role models to the younger teammates and trying to lead by example.
The youngest member of the varsity team is freshman Ryan Mak, who played second doubles in the Whippany game. (Reichek explained that, every game, there are first singles, second singles, third singles, first doubles, and second doubles. A team gets a point for every game won. The team with the most points wins the match.) Mak says, “My first year of tennis at MHS has been very enjoyable, and I cannot wait to come back next year as a sophomore. The team will miss the leadership of the current seniors, Jack, Kevin, Eric, and Sean.”
Even though the team will be losing quite a few talented players next year, Mak and other younger players like Campbell Johnson and Matt Sweeney portend a successful season in 2014.
But this season isn’t over yet, as the second round of States will take place against West Essex on Tuesday, May 14. Team members hope that MHS Dodgers will come out to support the team in the next few weeks.
Go Dodgers!