Girl's Program Expands

The 2009 girl's season will see an expanded program meant to accommodate an increasing number of girls interested in playing tennis. Last season, the girls team squared off with nearly forty players. This season looks to bring even greater numbers to the program.

The biggest difference that girls will see this season is the addition of a varsity 2 program. While technically still a junior varsity squad (CHSSA rules allow for only a single varsity), this squad will compete at the varsity level. V2 will face the varsity squads for Harrison, Mitchell, Salida, La Junta, and Fountain Valley . They will also face the V2 squads of competitive teams such as Ralston Valley , Lewis Palmer, Niwot, and Air Academy .

The Varsity 1 has picked up matches against state perennials Niwot, and D'Evelyn, along with scrimmages against Cherry Creek V2 and Air Academy .

In addition, both V1 and V2 will take part in competitive tournaments this season. Varsity 1 will travel to Grand Junction for the Western Slope Invite and Denver for the Colorado Academy Invite. V2 will attend the Colorado Academy Junior Varsity tournament on April 11th. As a result, West was forced to pass on the Hornet Invitational this season, but the change will provide a greater competitive challenge for our girls.

The expansion means a need for increased coaching staff. Coach Pisciotta remains the head coach and coach of the Varsity one team. Coach Drummond will coach the Varsity 2 team, and the junior varsity players will be guided by Coach Ellen Macindoe and Coach Amy Derting. Of course, all coaches will help out at all levels when required.

The increase in numbers will bring an expanded ladder, more inter-team competition, and—I believe—higher levels of play among our girls. That is one reason I want to expand the competitive opportunities for the girls this season.

However, if we're going to compete at this higher level, then everyone needs to make the commitment to get ready for the tougher season. Remember, champions are made in the “off season.”

Practices will run most Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays until the season officially begins on February 17th. Though not required, it ' s a commitment we need to make!

Boys get new tournament for 2009

The boys will be competing in three tournaments for the 2009 season. This takes advantage of CHSSA's new rule that brings the maximum number of tournaments that a player can compete in from two to three.

Tournaments are a great chance for players to see a lot of matches in a compressed time frame. They test both a player's physical and mental preparation.

We will continue to compete in the Hornet Invitational and the South Invitational, both around mid-season. However, the boys will also attend Air Academy 's Kadet Court Kickoff.

The tournament will host eight teams, including Sand Creek, Castleview, Doherty and others. The tournament will be held over the course of two days on August 28th and 29th. This means an early season test with a lot of matches against good teams.

The entry fee for the tournament will probably run $100. Therefore, the boys will need to participate in the fundraising efforts with the girl ' s team this winter!

Cyclone wristband program

The teams will begin a new program intended to work in conjunction with the team ladders. Both boys and girls teams will wear cyclone tennis wristbands to denote individual ladder positions.

All players will begin their off season wearing white bands to denote that they have yet to achieve a ladder ranking. Then, when the season begins and ladder positions are earned and held, the players will receive different color wristbands.

Yellow is given to players who have demonstrated a basic level of play that includes the ability to serve, hit forehands and backhands with topspin, and volley without swinging. Orange will denote Team 3 standing, blue for V2 doubles players, red for V2 singles players, light blue for V1 doubles players, and black for V1 singles players.

Players are encouraged to wear the bands around school to promote the team and encourage team spirit.