After losing her top three players from a 2008 Class AAA state-runner-up boys’ team, McMinn County tennis coach Susan Ray knew there would be a rebuilding period.
That period lasted only a year.
The Cherokees are talented, deep and now experienced and have a 7-0 record. They will enter this weekend’s Champions Club tournament without having lost an individual singles or doubles match — a combined 63-0.
“I don’t think it’s bad to have a year in which you’re not at the top,” Ray said. “Last year has made the guys very hungry.”
A year ago, McMinn returned only Trey Royal, as fellow 2008 starter Ram Patel took a year off to play baseball. Patel’s return this year gives McMinn six players with varsity experience, counting Royal, Josh Young, Michael Barlock, Fenil Patel and Brandon MacDonough.
“It was a personal thing,” Ray explained of Ram Patel’s decision. “He had grown up playing baseball and had struggled to choose between the two. He still had baseball in his blood and needed to play because he had to build up the desire to play tennis.
“Did his absence hurt? Definitely, but that’s OK. I like to look at the big picture, and Ram was able to find out about himself.”
With the losses from that 2008 team, the holdovers had to get used to playing larger roles a year ago. Royal, for example, moved from No. 4 singles to No. 1.
“When you play the No. 1 from a team, they can usually play,” Royal said. “I remember when I was at No. 4, I went against some guys that weren’t that good, but when you’re in that top position, they all know how to play — at least a little bit.”
Said Ray: “We now have more depth than we’ve had in several years. What we lack in strength, we make up for in depth.”
As one of only two seniors on the team, Royal considers returning to the state tournament a top priority.
“I remember losing to Science Hill and really would like to play them again,” he said. “As a senior, I can be a leader and help push us. Anything is possible.”