Butch Harmon
Sports Scene
Year in and year out, the Midland Dow boys tennis team is one of the premier tennis teams on both the local and the state level. This season, the Chargers are keeping that winning tradition rolling.
Ranked number one in the state in Division 2, Dow has won the past two Division 2 state championships and has a total of state tennis championships to its credit.
This year is no different for Dow which is off to a strong start with the state tournament coming up soon.
“The season is going really well,” said Dow coach Terry Schwartzkopf. “We are 21-1-1 and our only loss came due to cramps on an extremely hot day so we ended up losing two flights I think we would win under normal circumstances. Austin (King) and Nimai (Patel) are still undefeated and I have two other flights that have a shot at a number two seed at states. We lost a ton of players last year and our doubles is brand new, so our success is a bit of a happy surprise.”
Along with totaling 21 wins, Dow has turned in some impressive efforts so far this season. Dow has defeated most of the top-ten teams in the state in dual format matches and also won the title at the Grosse Pointe North Invitational.
“What is cool about this team is there seems to be a different hero each match that pulls it out for the team,” said Schwartzkopf.
Dow is led this season by a standout group of singles players. Leading the way is Austin King at No. 1 singles. King started the season with a 27-0 record.
“Austin is a real candidate for Mr. Tennis,” Schwartzkopf said. “He won last year at one singles without dropping a set and is on his way again this year. He broke the career 0,0 record this year. He is a fantastic leader and has the strongest will of anyone I think I have ever coached.”
At No. 2 singles, Yassin Elsaadany opened the season with a 19-5 record.
Yassin’s losses are to the top seeds in the state and, unfortunately, isn’t a true reflection of his ability,” Schwartzkopf said. “He has had a few medical issues that have impacted some matches or I think you would have seen that loss column drop by three to four. I am proud of Yassin as he has fought through some difficult moments and pushed himself to a high level of success.”
Nimai Patel is also off to a strong start this season. Patel has not lost a match in over two years and is 24-0 this season. Patel is also a two-time, individual state champion.
“I have confidence that Nimai has the ability to win another state championship,” Schwartzkopf said. “He is another great leader for us in both action and attitude.”
Sid Venkatesan rounds out the singles lineup. Venkatesan has compiled a 23-2 record this season.
“Sid went from a reserve last year to a true warrior,” Schwartzkopf said. “Sid has battled all season and has an incredible record that anyone would be proud of. He is a real boon to this team and a foundational reason we continue to win after losing as much as we did.”
In doubles play, the No. 1 doubles team of Matthew McGaugh and Nathan Song have put together a 17-7 record.
“This team was half of three and half of four doubles last year,” Schwartzkopf said. “That is a huge jump and these guys have done it admirably. Three of the four losses were close third set breakers. They have beaten top competition in the state. These guys are the real day and have impressed me with their abilities this season.”
At No. 2 doubles, Dominic Griffin and Ian Koh have fashioned a 22-4 record.
“I expect these guys to be one of the top seeds,” Schwartzkopf said. “They are both coming off reserves last year, and I think it may be the best jump anyone has ever had from reserves in all of my coaching experience. These guys play hard, have fun, and work their tails off. I could not be prouder of what they have already accomplished.”
Raymond Chai and Jack Elwell are at No. 3 doubles and have put together a 13-6 record while playing tough all season.
“These guys are the tie-break team,” Schwartzkopf said. “It seems every match goes to tie breaks. What that shows me is that they can play with anyone in the state, regardless of seed or record. Both are new to the team and the experience and the stress that comes with playing for Dow High. Their growth has been fun to watch and I expect big things from them in the future.
Rounding out the doubles lineup are Vettel Xu and Jashwanth Thamminana who have turned in a 12-7 record at No. 4 doubles.
“These guys are raw and new but with incredible potential,” Schwartzkopf said. “They have the game and the consistency will continue to improve. They could be dangerous in October.”
With the season winding down, the Chargers are poised to accomplish their goals.
“The expectation is that we finish with 22 or 23 wins, sweep the SVL and the plan is to sweep regional,” Schwartzkopf said. “That will put us in a good position for seeds at state. There are about five to seven teams that have a legitimate shot at the state title and we are one of them. The seeds and draw will have a gigantic impact on the champion this year.”
Dow suffered heavy graduation losses from last year and winning a third straight title will not be easy but the team has responded.
“We lost seven starters last year,” Schwartzkopf said. “That means we have seven reserves and newbies taking over positions on a team with back-to-back championships and have maintained the number-one ranking the entire season. I think that is a testament to our team leaders, the environment of the program, and the families and parents who invest in our program. Our boys come back and work with the new guys to help establish tradition and expectation. I am blessed to have had former, current, and future players who buy into what we are doing here, the expectation of the program, and the investment in one another. I don’t know how the state tournament will end up this year, but either way, the Lord has blessed this old coach for sure and all glory goes to Him for the consistency of success, team atmosphere, and player health through the years.”