There is so much more than tennis for the Union boys tennis team.
Which might be a reason why the Titans are such a strong tennis team.
“We are really well connected. I don’t know how every other team works. This is a team that does a lot of stuff together after practice,” senior Andrew Chanthavong said. “We come to practice every day ready to compete. We work hard every day so we can come out on top on match days.”
And they have plenty of fun off the court, too.
“We’ve built a better bond,” junior Alex Calpagiu said. “We all have the same fire for the game. We have a drive to win. But we do stuff after practice to get to know each other better.”
Not just varsity, but everyone. There are about 60 athletes playing for the program this season.
Whatever the Titans are doing, it is working.
Union improved to 11-0 overall this season with a win over Heritage on Tuesday. The Titans are hoping to clinch the Class 4A Greater St. Helens League title.
While the top players on varsity are a lot better on the court than, say, the C-team players, they do compete in other arenas. Such as team outings at a local bowling center.
“We’re all pretty bad, so everyone from varsity to C team is on equal footing,” Chanthavong said.
“I was really bad,” Calpagiu said. “People were making fun of me.”
He said he rolled a 57. Chanthavong scored a 62.
“I think I scored really high,” said senior Bjorn Morfin.
He had a 111.
“That’s high for us!” he said with a laugh.
The team outings are just for fun. Tennis is fun, too, but that is because winning feels so good.
“Last year, we tied for a league championship. This season we have a shot at winning it outright,” Chanthavong said. “If we play like we know how to play, we can.”
“We all want the league title,” Morfin added.
Then there is the upcoming district tournament, Oct. 21 and 22. Decisions will have to be made regarding singles and doubles lineups. But the Titans like their chances.
“We’re just trying to get as many guys through,” Calpagiu said. “We have a pretty stacked team.”
The top three singles and top three doubles teams will advance to the bi-district tournament for a chance to qualify for state. The bi-districts are later this month, while the state tournament will be held in the spring.
Through the rest of this month, the winter and early spring, look for the Titans to keep honing their skills. On the tennis courts. Or in the bowling center.
Wherever they are, as long as they are together.
