As spring sports begin, Bear River’s tennis team is ready to serve their opponents in their 2019 season.
Head Coach Jeffrey Carrow expressed his thoughts on the upcoming season.
“It is a very competitive league,” he said. “We have a long history of being able to make the playoffs, but it’s always been really hard. This year looks challenging, as well … I like our team a lot, we’re just kind of young. We have a lot of talent; we’re just a little inexperienced. I’m confident that we will have a fine season … I feel like we will be competitive, and will be a tough team to beat.”
Players described their experience with tennis and with the team.
“I have been playing tennis for two years, in general and for the team,” said Junior Caleb Lowry. “Last year, I played two boys singles, while this year, I am playing one boys singles. My skills have stayed about the same from last year.”
“I have been playing tennis for eight years,” said Sophomore Emmy Christensen. “This is my second year playing at Bear River. I play number two singles; the same position as last year.”
“I have been playing tennis for two years [overall],” said Senior Zach Tener. “I have been playing for two years for the team. This year, I am number two singles. Last year, I floated around [in different positions] … I moved around wherever I was needed. I improved a lot. Last year, I couldn’t even make a serve in.”
“I have been playing tennis for about four years,” said Junior Kaya Krygsman. “I have been playing for Bear River since freshman year. Last year, I played mixed doubles, and, this year, I am girls number one doubles.”
Some players enjoy the season for the different aspects of tennis along with the aftermath of matches and the camaraderie between teammates.
“The best part of the season is the games and the fun that we have after them,” said Tener. “We just go get food. My favorite part about playing tennis is putting a top spin ball right over the net. My goal for the season is to develop a good, solid backhand. The goal for the team is to win, plain and simple.”
“My favorite part is when we go to the league tournament,” said Christensen. “The whole team helps each other out, and everyone is friendly. There is good competition between the players.”
“My favorite part of is that tennis brings different groups of people together,” said Krygsman.
“My favorite part of the tennis season is playing in the away matches and going out to eat afterwards,” stated Lowry. “I hope the team is able to make playoffs.”
The players weren’t the only ones with reasons to play tennis. Coach Carrow expressed why he coaches.
“I have been playing tennis for about forty years,” he said. “… I played high school tennis, and then I played just a lot of fun tennis with friends … This is my twentieth year coaching for Bear River. My favorite part is the players. The practices are really fun, and it’s fun to be out of the classroom and be in a different environment with students, and it’s fun to go out there and teach them a lifelong sport, and just laugh and have a good time, and go to the matches, and go on the road trips. Just the whole aspect of it, I love.”
The players enjoy the season with Coach Carrow.
“Carrow is awesome,” said Tener. “He is really chill. He’s really good at identifying what strategy to take against an opponent.”
“Having Carrow as a coach is the same as having him in class,” said Lowry. “He tends to talk a lot in the beginning, but it is really fun.”
“In tennis, Carrow has a lot of good advice,” said Christensen. “Carrow is like a father. He’s really nice and funny.”
