As the winter sports season comes to a close and the weather begins to warm up, that means one thing: it’s time for Boys Varsity Tennis! This year’s team will be blessed with a plethora of senior leadership and experience returning from last year’s team. Mac Converse (`09), Jared Unger (`09), Ethan Moses (`09) and Parker Shiverick (`09) will try to help the team rebound from a disappointing 4-13 mark. Converse (`09) states, “I wouldn’t consider last season a disappointment. We bonded as a team off the court and hopefully that will translate to more wins on the court.” He adds, “We are going to make a run at a state title. But if that doesn’t work out, tennis season will still be another great time.”
Ethan Moses (`09) agrees. “Gilmour tennis has been a great experience because the atmosphere around the team is fun. The competition is challenging but enjoyable at the same time.” Moses (`09) also cherishes the memories he has made from the tennis program. During his sophomore year, he came to the defense of teammate Tyler Broadhead (`07). “It was the greatest experience of my life. It showed our team’s competitive fire and our team camaraderie.”
Moses (`09) is looking to help lead the program back to prominence. “It would mean a lot to have a successful season because it is the last sport I will ever play at Gilmour. It would mean a lot to go out on a high note.”
The other two returning seniors on this year’s squad are Jared Unger (`09) and Parker Shiverick (`09). Shiverick (`09) believes that success in tennis revolves around enjoying the game. “What I like most about tennis is having fun. I enjoy playing and that’s why I play for the school’s team. It’s about the game.” Unger, who transferred to Gilmour from Steele High School after his sophomore year, has been a mainstay on the team. Besides the enjoyment for the game that he shares with his teammates, he plays tennis for the thrill of the unexpected. ” Its adrenaline pumping for me and you never know what your opponent will hit next. You always have to keep guessing where he will hit next. You form many rivalries but you also make a lot of friends at the same time.”
Gilmour will enjoy other key contributors from last year’s team as well as new team members who hope to make an impact. Bailey Clark (`10) and Evan Stefanski (`11) are all important players as the squad hopes to return to glory.
Converse (`09) states, “Bailey and Evan were good players last year and they will have to be even better this year if we want to have a successful season.” A newcomer to the team is Brock Raeffele (`09). Brock has the confidence of his teammates this year, and the team can expect a lot from him this year.
Converse (`09) concludes, “This year should be fun. He have a lot of returning players and some new talent. If anybody wants to enjoy some high quality tennis, come watch us play. We won’t disappoint.”
