In an apparent sign that it isn’t about to slow down any time soon, the Dow tennis team, five-time defending Dvision 2 state champion, is off to a 15-0 start this year.
“We have faced five of the other top nine teams and have defeated them all, as well come head-to-head with three others in tournaments and placed above each of them,” said Terry Schwartzkopf, who is in his eighth year as head coach. “The only team we have not seen thus far is North Farmington, and they are coming to the Power Quad in October.”
After not making the state tournament his first two years as coach, Schwartzkopf has won a state title every year since. Last year’s team went 18-2, winning four tournaments along the way.
“Obviously, winning a fifth title last year was the highlight of the season,” he said. “It not only was a great accomplishment, but it also established that the program was not built solely on the outstanding class of 2012. For me, it was proof that the program was solid and built on a strong foundation, not simply a recipient of an extremely strong class. As for the class of 2013, they were legends in their own right.”
The Chargers don’t seem to let graduation hits hinder the program one bit. Gone is James Chang, who last year set an MHSAA state record for the most career wins in doubles. His partner Vikram Shanker, who won nearly as many matches, is gone as well. Julian Guerra, like Chang, never lost a match in the state tournament. The two won four state titles each.
Dow is loaded with returning players, though, like Varun Shanker (sophomore, captain, no. 1 singles), Colin Angell (junior, captain, no. 2 singles), Michael Szabo (junior, captain, no. 3 singles), Daniel Magno (senior, no. 1 doubles), Cole Williamson (senior, no. 1 doubles), and Spencer Bouck (junior, no. 2 doubles).
“Shanker won the title at three singles last year and has improved his game dramatically,” Schwartzkopf said. “Angell is the ideal athlete in terms of drive and physicality. He is probably the most focused athlete I have ever coached when involved in a match. Szabo is a two-time state champion at four singles; he has an incredible record (98-4).
“Magno played reserve for two years then played at three doubles last year, where he won an individual state championship,” he continued. “Williamson joined our team last year at four doubles, losing in the semifinals at the state tournament. He is as determined as any player I have ever had to continue the streak. Bouck is also inspired by his semifinal loss at last year’s state tournament. He has developed into a leader on the court, encouraging not only his partner, but the entire team.”
It wouldn’t be Dow tennis without new talent, also. This year’s incoming crop consists of Aditya Middha (freshman, no. 4 singles), Sagar Kamaraju (sophomore, reserve), Armin Vallazza Margl (senior, no. 3 doubles), Noah Nichols (freshman, no. 3 doubles), Sanjay Balijepalli (sophomore, no. 4 doubles), and Daniel Zhang (freshman, no. 4 doubles).
“Middha is an incredible person who works as hard as anyone on the team. . . posting a 17-4 record so far,” Schwartzkopf said. Kamaraju has as strong a passion for the game of tennis as anyone I have met. Vallazza-Margl never played for Dow prior to this season but. . .he is an amazing success story and a kid with a ton of natural talent.
“Nichols is going to be a huge part of the doubles future of our program,” he added. “I’ve seen a lot of growth this year, and he gets better every day with experience. Balijepalli is a class act and is the exact type of player I want representing Dow. Zhang started the year as a singles player and has morphed into his position in the doubles lineup. His ground strokes are outstanding, and his net play is increasing exponentially. This kid is the real deal.”
It might go without saying, but the Chargers have made it their primary goal to win another state title.
“It has always been the goal of the team, even when we were not making the state tournament,” Schwartzkopf said. “The difference is, we were not disappointed when we failed to reach that goal in the past. We used it to inspire and encourage growth. . .Now that we have had the success and believe the goal is attainable, it is a heartfelt goal. We took a huge loss last year losing five to graduation and our no. 1 deciding not to play, but these guys have stepped up and believe in themselves. In terms of matches, my boys have shown themselves to be the best in Division 2. Now we just have to translate that to the tournament format.”
If there’s one downfall of the team, it’s that they’re a bit younger than they’ve been in past years. “This team is young, and the inexperience could come back to bite us when most important,” Schwartzkopf said. “However, the experience they will attain this year is going to be immeasurable. As a team, we should be even stronger heading into next season. . . The goal is always to improve.”