Hixson’s Alex Condra warms up Thursday at the Brainerd tennis courts.The vision for Hixson High School tennis coach Raul Fernandez isn’t quite complete, but there’s certainly a lot more clarity than there was five years ago.
The next step in reviving the Hixson program will begin today, as the Wildcats will be one of seven area programs among the 32 participating in the Rotary Tennis Invitational, starting at 8:30 this morning. The Wildcats, along with Signal Mountain’s boys, will be in the B division at McCallie, while Signal’s and Chattanooga Christian’s girls will be in the B division at GPS.
Baylor, GPS and McCallie are in the A division at Baylor. The tournament, which is entering its 58th year, lasts two days and is regarded as one of the best in-season tournaments in the South, featuring both individual and team state champions from Tennessee, Alabama and Kentucky. It will be a new experience for the Wildcats, but one they are excited about.
“There are definitely going to be some great teams there, and we’re going to face some big challenges and great teams that we haven’t faced yet,” Hixson sophomore Alex Condra said Thursday. “If we go in with our head on, we think we can pull a learning experience out of it.
“Coach told us there are lots of good teams and lots of teams stronger than anyone we’re played so far, but if we’re strong on doubles — because of what he’s taught us — we think we can pull some wins out.”