10 April: Following the presentation by Chris Herren:
On the Rebound: Former Hoop Star Tells of Misery and Hope
the Tennis Team gathered to board the bus for Gloucester. JT, our driver, proved to be efficient, knowledgable of the area, and the consummate "professional", as he delivered us to the Gloucester courts and returned us home. He demonstrated constant awareness of our comfort and safety, and thoughtful planning and execution of our travel.
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Unnumbered memories came back to me as we traveled. It is nearly 15 years since i had made the trip to Gloucester. 128 looks much the same, so i was taken back, until we rode over the hill near the top of Mount Ann. I had not seen the three windmill generators before today. It was punctuation, a compelling visual statement re: the power the team was called upon to generate as we faced our second opponent for this season. Not a call for a lightning strike, it was more, the vision of summoning the resources we have developed, and channeling them into consistent focus, again and again, until the points, the games and the matches were complete. Your young men do that very well, and it makes a statement.
Again, we met a team of gentlemen. Coach John Sperry, is a gracious host. Forgive me if i speak out of turn, but considering what a coach gives, and the fact that the players pay a fee to participate, the City of Gloucester is not doing it's part. Only one of the nets was properly prepared for the match. The others were not center-strapped properly, nor were they adjusted to the proper height. C'mon, folks up there, your Coach and Team need better support. (end of rant)
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All considered, we made the best of it.
First singles:
Matt Jacobs v. John Perry
Matt was focused today, and more so as the match progressed. He saw the opportunity to realize a long standing goal and took it. He won the match 6 - 0, 6 - 0, and the second set was a rare and exceptional, "Golden Set". 24 straight winning points. It was something to see.
Second Singles:
Val Temin v. Matteo Dolzani
Val was in his comfort zone today. He has a way to make the difficult look easy, so the less than ideal conditions and a game opponent are overwhelmed by his athletic ability and his desire to win. Match to Val: 6 - 0, 6 - 1
Third Singles:
Sam Carmasino v. Pat Kelly (Captain)
We called upon Sam to take on the singles match today. I want him to get the experience as part of his development. I look for him to become an integral member of the team as we go forward. I think his inexperience was the difference, today, going up against the Captain of the Gloucester Team. Sam showed his ability to play strong and control points. I think experience will validate our confidence in his ability. Match to Kelly: 2 - 6, 3 - 6
First Doubles:
Sam Crimmins & Matt Gilberg v. Cal Gosgrove & Chris Wile
Sam and Gil are a powerful pair. I like their chances in any doubles match. They showed us "what for" today, rolling through the match, 6 - 0, 6 - 0!
Second Doubles:
Ian Crimmins & Mike Pindrus v. George Black & Drew Muniz
Ian and Mike are developing well as a doubles pair. I like the way they are beginning to see the strategy of the doubles match. They "brought it" today: Match to Crimmins and Pindrus: 6 - 1, 6 - 1
Over all, our second win: 4 - 1
The team is optimistic as we begin the season 2 - 0.
We are looking forward, next, to a tough match vs. Danvers. It's scheduled for Friday, at Danvers, but the weather may alter that.
Thanks to all for your support
CW
