Slug Season Wrap-Up for 2013

Dear Slug Tennis Family,

This past weekend the Slug Tennis Season officially came to a close with Erich Koenig competing in the NCAA National Singles Championships in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Before we get into that piece of the season I would like to recap our last dual match of the year down at Regionals in LA earlier this month.

In the 2^nd round of Regionals we were to play a very tough Cal Lutheran University, a team ranked as high as #4 in the country, a team that we had beat earlier this season by the skin of our teeth on our home courts. It was a hot Saturday morning, and I am happy to say we had tons of friends and family out for the match.

The momentum swung in our favor early with a dominant display of doubles by our #2 team of Chris Goetz and Andre Halabi. This 8-2 victory was some of the best doubles these two had played all year, finishing their season UNDEFEATED as a team! Next off was a tough loss by Erich Koenig/Erik Rosner, playing hard against one of the top teams in the country. Last off was the team of Bryce Bettwy/Max Littlejohn, who played extremely well and clutch putting the Slugs up 2-1 after doubles.

In singles the Kingsman came out strong putting the pressure on early. First off was a tough loss by Chris Goetz who battled the whole way through. The next two off were Andre Halabi and Erich Koenig who faced losses to very strong Cal Lu players at #1 and #2. Erich played some fantastic stretches in his match, coming up just short of taking his match to a third set. Down 4-2, the Slugs had three guys remaining as they battled on court. Max Littlejohn was up 4-2 in the third set playing exceedingly well, Sam was on serve 5-6 in the second set after losing the first, looking stronger and stronger, and Bryce Bettwy was down a set and a break at #3 singles. Fighting to the very end Bryce was the next court off losing his match, and just like that the team season for the Slugs was over.

It was a pretty emotional end to the season, I don’t know how else to say it. Not getting what you want and work so hard for isn’t easy, it hurts. To take a step back and realize all that we had put forth, I feel so very proud. I wouldn’t want to go through this kind of season with any other group of young men. I have closing thoughts that I would like to share, but I will save them for my last blog entry of the season that will be soon to come. I would however like to say a few words on behalf of each individual that was apart of this very special team.

Jimmy Soper: You stepped in as our only freshman and were part of the family instantly. Your combination of competitiveness, determination, and overall kindness, is a blend that I find truly amazing. I am so eager to see you as an impact player next season as I know you will succeed.

Garrett Deguchi: I remember watching you try out this past summer being blown away with how much you had improved on your own in just one years time. You were clearly one of the most improved players of this team this season, if not the most improved, and I know you will be an absolute stud next season.

Max Littlejohn: You had an incredible season, beating one of CMS’s top players at Ojai was definitely a highlight. You fought all season to grow and improve and deserve all the successes you accomplished. On top of that you made this journey an absolute blast for me, thank you so much.

Eli Scandalis: You have brought so much to this team since you first stepped foot on these courts as a transfer. You have been a leader, both with words and by example, and have always had this teams success held as your #1 priority. Watching your tennis grow has been amazing, your UCSD dominant victory being one example, I cannot wait to see you lead these boys next year as I know what you are capable of.

Bryce Bettwy: You’ve had an amazing season packed with plenty of fantastic matches and results. I will never forget your effort with SD. I so appreciate your honesty and integrity throughout the season. You have been one of our best fighters and, like your boy Max, have made me laugh throughout the entire season. I’m excited to see you lead this group next season.

Chris Goetz: There is no doubt that all your hard work this season paid off. You have played a crucial role this year having had one of the most dominant doubles seasons I have ever seen. Thanks for all your hard work and determination. I am eager to see you lead this charge with the rest of the returners next year.

Andre Halabi: What an amazing career. Becoming one of the toughest spots in our lineup this season, both singles and doubles, all the hours put in making it possible. You have earned every amazing accomplishment you have achieved these past four years, I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to do it with you. Thank you so much for everything.

Erich Koenig: Your dedication and contribution to this program these past four years has been one of a kind. You put forth the type of effort that was crucial in making this program tick the way it does. Thank you so much for the incredible ride and all that you have given, I will never forget it.

Erik Rosner: Watching you mature as a young man over the years has been pretty special. Seeing your ability to work harder and harder grow over time is something you should be proud of. You have played some amazing tennis (Semi’s at Indoor Nationals 2012 vs. Wash U. ring a bell?), but moreso given what you had for the best of the team. Thanks for always supporting me though it all.

Sam Rodgers: The man with the windy path. You worked so hard since the day you got here and never gave up. You had adversity thrown your way over and over again, you always came back. You had one of the most dominant singles seasons ever this year, you earned every bit of it. Thank you so much for you dedication and openness to learn these four years.

Erich Koenig lost to a very tough Trey Mayer from Williams in the 1^st round of Nationals last weekend 6-4, 6-3. He came out strong, as strong as he possibly could, but under a combination of factors came up short in the end. It was an emotional way to end the 2013 season, watching this senior do battle for the last time in a Slug uniform, I was proud of how he fought through completion.

 I will have one final wrap-up post to come before the beginning of next year. This 2013 season was one I will never forget. It was a deep and meaningful season, filled with highs, lows, and lessons to learn. I am so grateful I was apart of it.  I would love to quickly show my appreciation for my assistant coach Brian Pybas. He did a remarkable job this season, no doubt about it, always staying true to himself and leading the way he knew best. Thank you Brian for everything. As always I will keep you posted,

Sincerely,

Coach Parmelly