To raise money for the tennis program and build valuable student/teacher relationships outside the classroom, the Argyle Tennis Team hosted a Staff & Student Tennis Tournament May 9 on the courts.

“My favorite takeaway [from the event was] the time my kids (my players) got to spend with their teachers outside of the classroom,” head tennis coach Tobi Jordan said. “Teachers are not so different outside the classroom as we are in the classroom. With that said, it is nice to see the conversations extending from normal school work and witnessing the growing of relationships with the people that invest a lot of time with them.”

Comprised of one student and one staff member, 23 doubles teams participated, brushing up their athletic skills prior to the event.

“I was partnered with Aiden Monticino,” biology teacher Deserae Good said. “He’s one of my freshmen in Pre-AP bio. I think he’s really kind of enjoyed science this year, so he asked, and I was really excited. We practiced a couple of days, then I practiced with another student. I hadn’t played in 5 years, so I desperately needed to practice- that’s for sure.”

The tournament gained the tennis program $495 through entry fees and small donations and attention outside of typical competitions.

“I know that Coach Jordan is trying to get more recognition for the program, and I think she’s done a really good job bringing people together,” English IV teacher and participant Stacy Short said. “The bleacher section in the middle of the tennis courts was completely full of students and their partners. There were a lot of parents and a lot of students that came out and watched, too. The bleachers were all full pretty much the whole tournament.”

Each team played three sets of six games, working to advance to the winners bracket and play in the final round.

“Some of the students were really serious and scary,” Short said. “Josh Block tried to kill me with the ball, and Reeves was pretty serious. It was awesome. Mr. Dunhman was out there with Drake Church, and they were [my partner, Jaclyn Harris, and I’s] first competition. They beat us.”

Although some teams took the competition to a serious level, others enjoyed the lighthearted side of the tournament.

“[I competed with] Mr. Lemish,” junior Gabriella Cate said. “He’s my favorite teacher.  I knew [the tournament] would be fun, and it wouldn’t be like pressure or anything because I’ve known him for a long time. We even got matching headbands. We lost our first two matches, but we won our last one because we were just warming up.”

Teachers also appreciate the time outside the classroom with their students.

“Oh I love having fun with the kids,” Good said. “Like the student and staff basketball game, I love doing this stuff. I think the kids get to see another side of the teacher. Sometimes, granted, I’m crazy in the classroom, so it transferred out there. It’s so much fun because the kids get to have that interaction.”

Doubles team Matt Hynek and freshman volleyball coach Lance Sutton took first place, followed by Jack Crawford and girls soccer coach Marc Koke, and, in third place, Micheal Rigsby and assistant tennis coach Randy Salyers.

“Sutton’s pretty young and spry, and he did a good job,” Short said. “It was just fun; I had a great time. It’s just really fun to get out there with the kids and see everybody in a different light, relaxed and having fun.”

The tournament provided an escape from the stress of finals and other end of year activities, creating a unified feeling in both staff and students. The department looks to continue the fundraiser in upcoming years.

“It’s a nice time for you and the kids to see you having fun, especially right now,” Good said. “It makes it a stronger bond. 100 percent, I want to do it again.”