WGHS Tennis Athletes Commit to Columbia College

Walnut Grove High School Tennis players, Tristen Smith and Thomas Remely, commit to Columbia College on January 30th. Coaches and teammates express their happiness for the two, while the players share their hopes for the future.
​by Arynn Clayton

(photo by Coach Remely)

​The Walnut Grove High School Tennis Team celebrates the commitment to Columbia College by two of their very own seniors: Tristen Smith and Thomas Remely. The pair both committed to Columbia College on Tuesday, January 30, which is the same day they took the tour of the school. 

According to Coach Heather Conner, both boys will be playing doubles together at Columbia. Although they are usually singles players, the “Double T’s” should have no problem adjusting together. Coach Conner says, “I think that both of them will do very well down there. It’s a smaller team. It’s a NAI school so I think that they’ll get lots of playing time and then lots more instructions down there.”

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(photo provided by Thomas Remely)

When asked why they chose Columbia College, Tristen and Thomas simply answered that they felt the college provided them with everything they needed and had a good environment. Both athletes feel as if they wouldn’t have made it to where they are now without the people on the team. “Most definitely coaches and the players that were really willing to help me when I first started,” Tristen says, thankful for his coaches and teammates. 

Thomas Remely, one of the soon to be Fighting Koalas at Columbia, states, ”[To keep] just a great environment, to make sure everyone's social, and of course win and make an impact.” Without a doubt, it is certain that Thomas will live up to his own expectations and make his team proud.

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(photo provided by Thomas Remely)

Their fellow teammates feel a great sense of pride after hearing the news, some might even say that they were ecstatic to see them doing so well. Teammate and junior, Ane'J Beers, says, "I think it’s very exciting, and I think they’ll do good. I know it’s a small college, and I don’t know much about it, but I think they’ll do well there. I am very proud of them.” While not knowing much about the college, their teammates still provide support for Tristen and Thomas.

The official signing to Columbia, will be on March 11th in the WGHS cafeteria. It is in high hopes that Thomas and Tristen will continue to grow and make both of their teams proud. 

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