By DAVID WOOD, for The Democrat
“We’re in territory that I’ve never been in and I’m not sure Brown County tennis has,” head coach Kevin Roush said.
In record-setting fashion, the boys varsity tennis program cemented a 20-3 overall record — the first 20-win-season in Eagles history.
Last year, the squad barely hovered the .500 mark, but had shown promise compared to previous seasons.
“I knew we’d be competitive, I did. Last season I thought we were competitive throughout and we carried that experience into this year,” Roush said.
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]“These guys did individual lessons and they did clinics. They were here four days a week practicing. Over summer we worked hard and our juniors and seniors did what they were supposed to do.”
Two years ago, the program took eighth in conference then fourth last year, and continued the upward trend by taking second this season.
“This season has been great. It’s kind of been the dream senior year to have. The team has been playing great and we have great chemistry. It’s just been the best year ever,” senior and team captain Aaron McCann said.
He believes their exponential growth was a result of their combined commitment and love for the sport.
“I think the success came from commitment and love for the game. It’s about taking your time and understanding everything as well as trying your best through every single point. That’s really the best you can do as long as you leave your heart out on the court,” he said.
“Try to put your time in out of season and develop a love for the game. You’ll tend to see growth in your play if you just put in the mental work and stay disciplined.”
In addition, McCann cited team chemistry and experience as factors in the sudden progress.
“Our chemistry just kind of grew from last year. … We’ve bumped it up to another level this year compared to last,” he said.
“We had tons of experience because of our upperclassmen and that really helped us out a lot.”
Unfortunately, despite the stellar regular season, McCann and company had their season cut short in the first round of sectionals, falling to powerhouse Columbus North. But Roush said he believes their regular season showing was more than enough to keep the squad hungry despite the sectional result.
“I fully expect that this team will be as competitive and hungry to repeat as one of the best in the WIC conference and once again be up to the challenge of facing any opponent. The best is yet to come with this team, and I am already looking forward to June when we can work out as a team and continue what this team has started,” he said.
Now, he has the task of reforming the squad to take over where McCann now leaves off.
“Aaron was a major factor in bringing the Eagles back to where they should be in the conference. As the team’s captain and leader, he will be missed greatly. He leaves a great legacy as a player, but the reins are now turned over,” Roush said.
“The returning players will continue to uphold the strong tradition of tennis in Brown County.”
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BCHS Boys Varsity Tennis 2019 Roster
Senior: Aaron McCann
Juniors: Aiden Burt, Noah Cochran, Nolan Patterson, Reid Davis, Spencer Blee
Sophomores: Austen Deckard, Eli Sichting, Josh Miller
Freshman: Daylen Dees
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