It was just a couple of weeks ago that the La Jolla High boys tennis team aced yet another CIF team title, adding to the Vikings state record for team crowns.
In Western League and CIF Individual competition over the last two weeks, the Vikings had doubles teams go deep into both draws.
In the Western League, Kyle VanBuskirk reached the quarterfinals in singles, while the doubles duo of Daniel Lapidus and Niko Karnopp won the tournament.
Moving on to CIF Individual play, the teams of Lapidus and Karnopp and Blake Cummins and Chris Langbort reached the quarterfinals in doubles.
In singles, VanBuskirk got to the quarterfinals as well, while freshman Michael Rabinovich reached the round of 16.
While most schools get one or two teams approved, La Jolla had four singles and four doubles teams accepted into the draw.
“I do know that the expectations were high because of La Jolla’s history and this certainly added some extra pressure,” La Jolla head coach Thomas Andrews said. “I think it was very special to have a team based on strength in depth, where every player is needed to perform. Winning the CIF was a team effort, and I do know that every player felt proud and had a great feeling of accomplishment.”
When all was said and done, Andrews added, “It feels good to relax and take a deep breath.”
A lot of hard work went into the season for the Vikings, and they can all now exhale and look back on a season of winning.
At neighboring University City High, head coach Bo Navarro and the Centurions also turned in a stellar season on the courts, which included a 19-game winning streak.
Dane Thomson had a very strong season for the Centurions, finishing as CIF Western League champ, CIF Western League Player of the Year and a First-Team All-Western League selection.
“Dane is our leader on the team ” when he goes, we go,” Navarro said. “He’s filled with talent and is probably one of the most naturally gifted athletes in the entire county of San Diego.”
According to Navarro, the season was challenging with so many seniors on the roster.
“With so many seniors on the team, we had to find a way to balance our priorities,” Navarro said. “As seniors, there are lots of events, applications, college visits, work that sometimes conflicted with a demanding tennis schedule. However, all the kids managed, and not only did they do well on the court but also did great in the classroom.”
UC improved from last year’s quarterfinals result, losing in this season’s CIFs to Point Loma (the eventual winner) in the semifinals.
“It was great to see both our captains (Ben Meyer and Jake Rappaport) play well together towards the end of the year,” Navarro noted. “They struggled in the beginning but eventually pulled it together.”
Navarro said that Michael Skinner, the team’s most improved player, was able to solidify UC’s number two singles slot.
“He worked extremely hard during the off-season and was rewarded by playing the number two singles spot,” Navarro said. “He’s a true professional on the court. His demeanor never changes. I always say to the other players, ‘Watch Michael on the court, he never changes ” you never know if he’s winning or losing.’ This is the perfect mentality a player should have.”
With a lot of graduation this spring, Navarro said next season will represent a change.
“It will be interesting next year, as we’re losing so many seniors to graduation this year,” Navarro said. “So, this is an open call for anyone that wants to try out.”