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Sports
Sports
By Patrick Browne
West Iron Boys Tennis Team finished the season on May 30 at the Michigan High School Athletic Association Upper Peninsula Division Two Finals in Negaunee. By tying for third place in a field of five teams, the Wykons finished their year in a respectable fashion and, because they will only graduate two seniors, should be ready to compete for top honors as soon as next spring.
Despite finishing in a tie for third, individual players were impressive. Sophomore Zander Birmingham highlighted the team’s effort by winning first place at four singles. The scrappy sophomore brought home the victory and demonstrated the strength of character necessary to win a number of tough matches.
Junior Drew Alexa competed at third singles and finished in second place, while sophomore Jackson Secord and freshman Dominich Brunswick, playing at four doubles, also came in second.
First year coach Jim Anderson reflected on the match and year, “All the guys fought hard. There were some long three set matches and they really had to grind out some long points. I’m especially proud of Zander Birmingham. He showed a lot of determination this season and worked hard. He definitely earned the win.”
With the end of the year, Anderson had an opportunity to reflect on the season and, in humility, recognized longtime assistant and volunteer coach Jim Sepllgatti, “I am very grateful to him for all his assistance. He is at every practice, is respected by every player and truly makes a difference every day.”
Asked to share his thoughts on the closing of his first year of coaching, Anderson added, “The guys are all planning to work hard over the summer and we are already looking forward to next year.
“I appreciate all the work, commitment, drive and desire. Everyone worked super hard the entire season. I am very proud of the effort and the poise and composure.”
“From the very first practice we developed a good relationship, and I couldn’t ask for a better group to start my coaching career at West Iron.”