Ben Murphy
Sports Scene
The old adage that success breeds success is a scary one for Division II tennis teams across the state of Michigan. With Midland Dow’s string of three state championships, what comes to fruition in 2012 could be quite frustrating for its opponents.
“The only goal this team has is the state championship,” head coach Terry Schwarzkopf said. “Individual accomplishments will come along the way, such as Austin Woody’s consecutive [win] streak, but the team is the focus.”
The Chargers lost two key seniors in Johnathan Gurnee (2011 No. 2 single state champion) and Santi Guerra (2011 No. 1 doubles final-four) from last year’s state championship squad but return nine players. Those returning are seniors John Templeman (No. 1 singles), Austin Woody (No. 2 singles), David Goslin (No. 2 doubles), Mark Gorte (No. 3 doubles), Andrew Camp (No. 4 doubles), David Read (No. 4 doubles); juniors Juli Guerra (No. 3 singles), Vikram Shanker (No. 1 doubles), and Jason Chang (No. 1 doubles).
Templeman went 29-9 as a junior last year at No. 1 singles, losing in the state quarterfinals. Woody won the No. 3 singles state championship and went 39-0 last year, has already set the state’s record for consecutive wins this year at 61, and has never lost a singles match in his career. Goslin was the No. 2 doubles state champion last year, Gorte lost in the semifinals as No. 4 doubles last year, Camp is a first year starter, Read lost in state semifinals at No. 3 doubles last year, Shanker lost in state semi-finals last year and in the finals as a freshmen at No. 1 doubles, Chang won state championships as a freshman in No. 3 doubles and as a sophomore in No. 2 doubles. Shanker and Chang are undefeated so far this season.
“The seniors only know only know state titles,” Schwarzkopf said. “They are determined to leave high school with a perfect record. The younger ones don’t want to be part of losing the crown. So at this point, their focus and determination for success breeds from within. They came into the season determined to keep this running.”
New to the team are freshmen Michael Szabo (No. 4 singles) and Colin Angell (No. 2 doubles).
“Szabo is a solid and strong singles player with the perfect game to fit in at four singles,” Schwarzkopf said. “So far he is undefeated on the season (21-0). Looks to be a no. 1 seed for states. Great addition to the team.
“Angell may be a freshman, but he has a junior or senior build,” he added. “Strong, athletic, agile, and confident, he is a perfect mesh as a doubles teammate. He plays the No. 2 doubles position with an experienced senior. He brings strength, confidence, and determination to this team.”
So far the Chargers have lived up to their own lofty expectations, going 12-0 overall, 3-0 in the Saginaw Valley League, and winning three tournaments along the way.
“Considering that we are undefeated in Division II right now and have faced all the top 10 teams and only dropped two matches, I would say we have a great chance,” Schwarzkopf said of winning another title. “We should have at least five no. 1 seeds, if not more. That sets the table for a great run. We still have to produce, we have to stay healthy, and we have to stay focused. But it is within our means to achieve. I think they have proven that already.”
Even though they may be eyed as favorites to win another title, the coach knows that there are plenty of worthy opponents in the state waiting to knock them off their pedestal.
“Portage Central and Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central (2011 state runners-up) are always strong,” Schwarzkopf said. “I think they will be our biggest competition. We have to win the head to heads and all get at least to the semis.”
For Schwarzkopf, it’s hard not to reflect on the feats his squad has accomplished over the years, and naturally, the things that might come to fruition.
“As freshmen, my seniors joked about a minimum eight-peat,” he said. “I think now, with another title within reach, they are beginning to believe that it might not be a joke. Granted, that would be a long way away, but it gives them drive. Pure internal. I never have to mention it. That is a coach’s dream.
“Next year will be a difficult change, but our program works to build players and expect excellence,” Schwarzkopf added. “So far that seems to be working pretty well.”
Despite his unfaltering belief in his team and his program’s ability to stay at the top, the coach knows that someday, though perhaps much later than sooner, a team other than the Chargers will be celebrating a DII state title.
“[I’m] just enjoying it while it lasts,” Schwarzkopf said. “There is always an ebb and flow in programs and schools. I am learning to enjoy the success we have had while we have it. It is something special and I don’t want to miss it. We have done more in my first five seasons than I thought I would accomplish in my career. These kids are something special. My assistant coaches are marvelous. I am a blessed man. God is good.”