Winning a state championship is one thing, but defending it is another.  After such a successful season last year by going undefeated and winning the state title in both doubles and singles, the men’s tennis team has a target on their backs.  Everyone in the Cap-8 is gunning for them and they have to stay in tip top form to prove themselves as the top dog once again.

Preparation at the beginning of the season is key for a team’s success throughout the season.   Coming into the season, senior captains Bo Boyden and Jensen Martin have high hopes for the team this year and have been working with the team to get in the best shape  possible.

“Pre-season workouts and fitness have been a big factor in our team’s success in the past, so we did a lot of that this year,” said Boyden. “Repetition in training is also key for getting our confidence back up and getting into the swing of things.”

Last season the tennis team had a couple of close matches, but always came out on top with the win.  This year, teams such as Millbrook and RJ Reynolds, will be making sure to come into their match against Wakefield extra prepared as they are looking to compete for the title.

“We played Millbrook in the semi-finals of states last year and they’ve brought back the same team as before,” said Martin. “They’re going to be one of our toughest competitors but I believe we will win that match and we’re going to need all the support we can get.”

The men’s tennis team lost a lot of depth from last season by losing four starters.  This has been one of the difficulties this team has to overcome but they have already proven their strength so far by maintaining they’re undefeated streak.

“Everyone on the team has progressed their games since last year,” said Martin. “With a few new additions to the team I think we are in good shape to compete once again for a title.”

Motivation has been another big part in the team’s success.  All the teams in the state are looking to beat the defending champs and they know that, but they keep one thing in the back of their mind during every match and training and that’s a repeat for the state championship.

“Everyday we’re trying to get better as a team,” said Boyden. “We’re going to fight day in and day out to maintain our spot as number one in the state.”