By Bob Budwick



Both the boys and girls tennis teams ended their seasons at the district tournament in Tallahassee on April 19.

Two new teams from Panama City were added this year, Bay and Arnold, and proved to be too strong for all the other teams in the district. Bay swept the girls side, not losing a single final. Bay also was victorious on the boys side, only losing one final to rival Arnold. Both teams were extremely talented at each spot, and if they continue in the district, it will be very difficult to make it to the next level.

The draw for who plays against who was not very favorable for the Suwannee boys team. Three of the seven first round matches were against Bay. Only Shun Hirohata, a foreign exchange student from Japan, made his way into the second day finals. Hirohata won his first two matches against Perry and Rickards, eventually losing to Bay 6-0, 6-1.

The girls team fared better in their draw, only having to face Bay once in first round competition. Number one Lauren Michal reached the finals as anticipated, but lost to a very strong player from Bay. Lauren is only a freshman, but the Bay girl is only a sophomore. They will more than likely meet up again during the next two years.

After the first day of districts, the teams held their awards dinner at the Outback in Tallahassee on their way home. A great meal was enjoyed by all, and there were even a few awards given out.

For the boys team, freshman Tyler Winburn won the Most Improved Award. Tyler improved steadily throughout the season and will probably move into the number five spot for next season if he keeps on progressing.

Junior Steven Pate was the winner of the Coaches Award. Steven has an extremely positive attitude and also never gives up in any of his matches. He was and will be a huge asset to the team in 2007.

Freshman John Walt Boatright received the Bright Future Award. John played number one for almost the entire year, winning over 80% of his matches. He has worked extremely hard during the last three years to get to his current ability level, and we are looking for great things from him in the next three years.

For the girls squad, junior Michelle Poole took home the Most Improved Award. Michelle only took up tennis at the beginning of last season, but has dramatically improved every aspect of her game. She should move up into the starting five next season if she continues on the path she is on now.

A big, welcome surprise this year to the girls’ team was sophmore Brittney Laxton. Brittney received the Coach’s award, but was also up for the Most Improved award. She exhibited a superb attitude throughout the season, and received many positive words from the opposing coaches and players. She has shown the most potential on the team, and with some hard work during the offseason, she will continue to move on up from the number five spot.

The Bright Future Award went to Freshman Lauren Michal. Lauren played in the number one position all year and never lost a single match. She played some very difficult opponents, from Columbia, Wakulla, and Aucilla Christian to name a few, but kept her focus playing some great tennis. She truly is “The future of Suwannee tennis,” and will be for the next three years.

The graduating seniors were also recognized during the awards. They all were given black travel bags with their names embroidered on them. The 2006 seniors are Cameron Ridgeway, J.D. Hales. Prissy Crapps, Nikki Johnson and Angela Debono. We wish them much happiness for their future.

The boys squad returns four of their top five players and should be very strong in 2007. This possibly could be the best boys team Suwannee has had in the last five years.

The girls will still be on the young side, but showed quite a bit of potential during the last six weeks of the season.They return three of the top five players on the team.

Both teams, parents, and the coaches would like to thank all of the sponsors who donated money or supplies during the season. The year would not have been the success it was without their help.