On April 29 and 30, juniors Jack Vickery and Rafael Ortega competed in the State tennis tournament at Texas A&M College Station.
In their 1st round match, they played against a very talented team from Lorena winning in three sets. In the semi-final match they faced the eventual state champions from Abilene Wylie.
“Abilene Wylie came out red hot in the first set,” Coach Kurt Spasic said. “They played what I would consider the best set of boys doubles tennis I have seen this year.”
After trailing 5-0 in the second set they rallied to tie at 5-5 but Abilene Wylie was able to win a few key points to seal the victory.
In the end Vickery and Ortega finished 3rd at State with a season record of 27 wins and 9 losses.
“I would like to thank Coach Spasic for his commitment to the tennis team this year,” Susie Vickery said. “He has been such an encouragement with his never give up attitude. I know that Jack has grown tremendously as a tennis player under Coach Spasic’s leadership.”
Vickery’s favorite moment was moving on from the Regional tournament.
“About the middle of our Regional final match,” Vickery said, “Coach Spasic pulled us over and said win or lose this match we will make it to state. It was exciting.”
Although making it to State was enough for this year, Vickery knows he will have to work hard to return his senior year. He will have to do it without Ortego however, as he will be returning to Spain at the conclusion of the foreign exchange program.
“I need to strike the ball harder,” Vickery said. “Most guys can rip the ball hard at this level. Also practicing on serving and returns. Everything could be better.”
