Tennis Senior Night vs. Seckinger

Seniors on the Walnut Grove High School Tennis team reflect on the hard work and dedication they’ve put into the team over the years.​
​by Arynn Clayton

​Walnut Grove High School Tennis Seniors prepared to play Seckinger on Tuesday, March 12, but wasn't any ordinary match. It was senior night. With a total of 6 seniors leaving the team next year, it can already be guessed that Tuesday will pull on a couple of the senior’s heartstrings. 

Rian Crowley, a varsity singles player and senior, said that tennis has taught her a lot about teamwork and sportsmanship. “I think it’s taught me a lot about accountability and reliability. Also, social skills and getting along with other people.” Rian’s legacy for the WGHS Tennis team is one she hopes to be filled with triumph and positivity. Now at her final year of high school, Rian feels like everything's spinning to an end. “It means a lot to me, I mean I’ve played for so long, but now that it’s coming to an end, it all seems so crazy... It’s been one of the best things I’ve done in high school.”

Other seniors, like Jason Gittens, feel the same way. “I think for not just me, but as a senior like me, I feel we are leaving behind a legacy of hard work and how hard you should work in practice.” Jason is a doubles player for the team and has only been on the team since last year. "I’d say I improved a lot in my footwork and my decision-making. I still have a long way to go, but I definitely feel like I'm getting better.” And at the end of the day, that’s all Jason’s teammates and coaches could ask for: improvement.

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While some seniors may not plan on continuing their careers in tennis, Tristen Smith is all in. The day before senior night, Tristen Smith and Thomas Remely signed to Columbia College surrounded by fellow teammates and family members. Before the event, Tristen and Thomas were assisted in setting up by most of the team, including the coaches. This alone should just explain to others how very close and bonded these warriors are.
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“This team means family to all of us,” expresses Rebecca Jenkins, a graduating senior this year. For many of the seniors on the team, tennis was never what they were hoping to get serious about, but as they got to know each other more and more, a team bloomed. So on senior night, you can bet that the Walnut Grove Warriors were there to win for their seniors. 

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