Pirates to battle Rockets for early WSC supremacy
By Zachary Dzurick
Sports
Published April 12, 2005

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Rocky River tennis coach Jeff Sinnema is beginning his 30th year at the helm of the Pirate tennis program. Last season his team left the SWC in style by winning the conference tournament and the overall championship. Overall the squad was 22-3 and every single starter returns. So it goes without saying, the Pirates have begun their first WSC campaign with big bulls-eyes on their backs.

"I am really pleased with how we have started," Sinnema said. "The kids have molded together. We have eight very competitive young men. Everyone has returned, but Wes Davis has broken into the lineup because of illness and he is undefeated."

Bay coach Pete Hussey knows the Pirates are the team to chase.

"They are the team to beat," he said. "They are the favorites because of Mr. Sinnema's history as a coach, the program's history of good solid tennis and return of a lot of talented players. He is going to be able to rock 'n' roll again this season."

Bay looks to be one of the River's main threats in the WSC, but the Rockets have started the season a bit slow thanks to the weather and their multi-talented players.

"We have been struggling early especially in doubles," Hussey said. "Some of my kids decided to also be in the musical and that has stretched us thin. We have had to mix and match some kids. Last week we played at Jefferson in 20 degree weather and we are not a good cold weather team."

Both coaches agree that there should be some excellent match-ups, especially in first and second singles where both sets of competitors have a history against each other.

Both teams return their first and second singles players intact. Rocky River junior Rickey Garrett (who has finished second in the SWC the last two years behind state qualifier Brad Noel of Westlake) and Bay senior John Lieske will match-up at first singles. Rocky River senior and defending SWC second singles champion David Armstrong and Bay senior Dan Magee are also back to renew their rivalry.

"Both first and second singles will be very good match-ups," Sinnema said. "It will be some very competitive tennis."

"John has a good steady game with a good serve and he is looking forward to matching up with Ricky," Hussey said. "McGee and Armstrong have duked it out a couple of times."

Garrett has opened the season undefeated including an exciting win over fellow junior district qualifier Victor Hill of Vermilion 6-4, 7-6 (5).

At third singles SWC third place finisher Tim Molnar returns. He will match-up against Bay freshman Kyle Outcalt.

"Kyle is a good strong player as a freshman," Hussey said. "I expect him to become a future pillar of the program."

Doubles may be where the Pirates have the edge. Chris Thomas and Bobby Schade were the SWC second doubles champions last season. With Marty Beres out of the line-up due to illlness, the duo have moved up to first singles where they started the season 4-1 with their only loss to a good Avon Lake team. Davis has stepped in for Beres and has gone undefeated at second singles with Rob Perry.

Hussey knows this is where his kids will have to step up to the challenge.

"I think the boys will respond to the challenge of Rocky River," he said. "This is a big match and it will send a strong message to who is the power in the league."

Sinnema understands Bay will be ready to play.

"Bay always brings the best out of us," he said. "It is always exciting tennis. I hope it continues. We want to try and set the tone of the match and make teams play to our level rather the other way around."

Both coaches are looking for an improvement in the weather as well. Sinnema summed it up best.

"We need to get some consistent weather," he said. "The kids have had to wear sweatshirts and hats in every match so far. Maybe mother nature will give us a break."