It’s the final weekend for Big Rapids Tennis, which means it’s the biggest of them all.

 

The Cardinals will be heading to Kalmazoo for Friday and Saturday competition in the Division Four State Finals. For Head Coach Jon Coles, the privilege of playing in this finale comes from the hours spent in preparation on and off the court.

“It didn’t come down to a final match or game result,” Coles said. “This is the work of four years and the more intently work since June.”

The Cardinals began the 2022 Fall season red hot, winning 14 of their first 15 matches. This included
beating three ranked opponents in their first four matchups. Since then, the Cardinals have kept their number three spot in the state rankings with large wins and premier play in the regional round.

“We got that state ranking and we and we haven't given it.” Coles said. “We've won because we're
consistent down the down the lineup. We are solid at every single position whereas some teams are
good at certain flights.”

Competing for the Cardinals this weekend includes senior Owen Westercamp, who will compete in the number one singles flight, senior Nathan Sanders in the number two singles flight, senior Logan Fuller in singles flight number three, and junior Preston Younge in singles flight number four.
For doubles, junior Austin Hinkley and freshman Carson Coles are slated in flight one, sophomore Isaac Zocco and freshman Noah Sweppenheiser in flight number two, junior Dylan Walsh and sophomore Mason Sleeper will play in flight three, and senior Elijah Haynes and sophomore Ari Ziska in the final fourth flight.

According to Coles, the tough schedule has helped the team prepare for playing on the big stage.
“The guys now believe that they're battle tested and can win close matches against good opponents.
Without question, that will give them confidence when it means the most this weekend.”
Off the many top-ranked teams playing this weekend, Big Rapids finds themselves in a unique category.

Out of the top 10 ranked teams, only Big Rapids and Allegan are the only public schools on the list.
When asked about this feat, Coles said he and his team take pride in competing with the “ritzy, country club” type schools.

“We’ve got a chip on our shoulder and I love to play with that. It’s frustrating that you can pay money to be good at tennis. Our kids have done it the hard way and it’s a testament to our mindset and grit when things get tough.”

The Cardinals will begin play Friday morning at both Kalmazoo College and Western Michigan University sites.