As the boys tennis season has concluded, the team had an overall record of 5-0-3. With a final placing of second in leagues these boys dominated the courts with passion and energy.
Apart from the rest, the 2023-2024 team had 9 seniors who finished their final season proudly.
Number 1 singles and senior Jimmy Olbrich reminisced about his final season, stating, “This tennis season went very well. Our tennis team was undefeated this year in the Downriver League. I thought that this year was the best season for me and the team. I was able to play against some very challenging opponents and win. I was also able to place 3rd in leagues. This year is a year I will not forget with tennis.”
Olbrich’s skills allowed each player to have someone to look up to, making him a pivotal player. This resulted in an enjoyable season for the team. As he leaves Woodhaven tennis for the last time he recalls all of the memories he had and the unforgettable moments he had with his teammates.
Lane Weglarz, number 2 singles and a junior on the team, finished his Woodhaven High School career with a heartwarming close. As his team celebrated his final match on the court and wished him a farewell from Woodhaven tennis, he smiled walking off those courts for the last time. As his teammates embraced these last years with him, Lane has plans to move on to another school to continue his tennis career. His final record was 23-7.
Reid Philabaum, a senior at number 3 singles, was one of the top players on the team. His final record was 26-6. In multiple tough matches, Reid was able to stand his ground against opponents and steal the win for Woodhaven. In one of his best matches against Trenton, the two opponents battled it out, with Woodhaven taking the final win. With a final score of 7-6 first set and the tiebreaker going into a heated matchup with a score of 7-5. Reid took the final set with a 6-3 score. Reid showcased what it means to be a true teammate and always stayed to support his teammates, much like they did for him in his tougher matches.
Number 4 singles and senior, Collin Robbins, played a fantastic season. He was able to put his heart on the court and play every match like it was his last. He battled his opponents with drive and made great connections on the team. He enjoyed the memories with his teammates, specifically, “Jimmy and Reid yelling at each other, and also playing touch the tarp because it was fun.” His final record for the season was 22-9. Playing some of the toughest matches of his career, Robbins was a pivotal player on the team this year and never gave up even when it seemed impossible.
On the other side of the team, the doubles partners performed particularly well. With some ups and downs, the teams pulled through and had records that were among the top.
Starting off strong, number 1 doubles ended the season with a record of 15-16. Senior partners Luke Ruddy and Zach Owczarzak struggled to get their footing this year but still pulled through and made incredible memories. From the powerful serves of Owczarzak and the striking backhand of Ruddy, these partners did not let their opponents have it easy. Number 1 singles has always been a challenging position to play for a team, and these boys took it particularly well bringing their all to the court every time.
Number 2 doubles, another senior duo, Murray Clark and Joey Palazzolo took a final record of 16-14. Being known on the team for having some of the longest rallies, these boys pushed their opponents all the way to the end. With some incredible wins, the partners walked off the court together for one final time, smiling at the family that Woodhaven tennis left them with.
Number 3 doubles were the dynamic duo of the team. Partners Miles Gawrych and Beto Alonzo finished their season with a record of 15-16. These boys knew how to have a good time on the court. Always making friends with their opponents but not letting them sneak by, these partners competitively played tennis like they had never done. From the beginning of the season to the end, these partners developed not only as friends but in the sport itself. Though many strategic huddles and cheerful racket fives these boys finished the season with no regrets.
Partners David Higby and Nick Smith played some of the best matches of their lives. Sitting at number 4 doubles these partners finished their season with a record of 15-16. As a senior, Higby states, “I would not have asked for a better partner for my last season at Woodhaven.” Battling some of the toughest opponents in the downriver league, it was not easy work getting the reputation they had. With the powerful serve of Smith and the net work of Higby this duo came off the court with satisfaction in their work. They had a true understanding and a love for tennis, knowing exactly how to support each other on the court. With much practice and determination, these two could one day be unstoppable.
The 2023 tennis season could not have been done without the support of the Woodhaven parents and families. With each match watched by loved family members and friends, the boys team was nothing short of an amazing family like community. The boys even had a team mascot, as player Reid Philabaum would bring his dog, Rodger, to almost every match. Rodger’s constant encouragement and sideline cuddles ensured delightful moments between intense matches.
Ultimately, this team was held together by the hardwork and dedication of Coach John Sheet. He believed in every single one of his players and did not think down on them throughout the season. And after many laughs and memories, the boys 2023 tennis season has officially come to a close.
