Letters from Mishawaka Marian

Dear Team,
Let's call it a winning night, okay? We were leading at all positions when the rain struck. Then we went on to have a blast eating hamburgers and brats, downing cake and homemade ice cream. That sounds like a winning night.

As far as our play went, you are continuing to impress me. Byeong was a mere six points from victory after playing only 21 minutes. The rest of us had put our 21 minutes to good use too, as we were leading by a set at 4 of the 5 positions (and Jesse was up big, but not finished, with his 1st set). This wouldn't have happened at the beginning of the season. We are learning to take care of our mental preparation and go out and play the way we want to play.

That sounds like winning also. So we'll call it a winning night.

Dear Seniors,
You are an outstanding group of young men. In choosing my words about you, I was inspired by the fruits of the Holy Spirit that I see so strongly in your lives. You are men of patience, goodness, faithfulness, peace and joy (and more - those were just the ones I identified). And I say this with all sincerity despite it's sappiness... I love you all. Thanks for diving in to this group of guys, and giving it your all. Can't wait to finish this season out in joy with you!

Dear Parents,
I was overwhelmed by your help last night. Decorating the courts, hanging banners, dumping straw down for my coaching area, putting up new scorecards, cooking dinner, preparing senior gifts... I was so surprised and humbled that I don't think I probably said enough to thank you. Many of your kind words were also appreciated. You do much more than is necessary, but you help make the tennis team excellent with that extra work. We couldn't be who we are without all of you.




Dear God,
In the difficulties of rain outs and rushing around to make things work, it's easy to get hassled and harried and upset. And then aim that frustration at You. Thank You for reminding us that You are actually our place of rest. Last night, the tennis got canceled but the more important thing went on: Our celebration of how You are forming us into Your character. You are at work in the lives of this team, help us to see it and to follow You. Amen.

Moment of Sheer Beauty
Only 5 matches got onto the courts last night, so less choices would seemingly make it easy on me. However, we were playing so well last night that I didn't get to see a lot of long points, the ones that often stick in my mind. But for a beautiful player, we need to look no further than Byeong Min Lim. His serves last night we things of beauty, curving down suddenly into the box and slicing into the body of his opponent. Time after time Byeong won quick service games as his serves forced early errors or short balls that he came and finished. It nice to see him play so smoothly, though I wish he could have finished the last six points!

Moment of Savage Beauty
Ethan Lapp has been playing great. I just don't know that we'd always call it savage. This is the part of his game that will continue to grow as he gets more matches at varsity singles. But tonight, I began to see him end points emphatically more often. In the first game of the match, with Ryan serving, the Bruins saw the score go to deuce several times. We looked a little tight, starting the match, and I didn't want to see this game go the wrong way. After an error from the Knights, we had the advantage and Ethan got a backhand overhead in the next point. Swinging with authority, he slapped the backhand between the Knight players and into the hitting wall to seal the close game for the Bruins. There was never really another close game after that.

SCORES

Varsity
#1S - Jesse Amstutz - 4-2 - David Hicks (12)
#2S - Byeong Min Lim - 6-1, 4-0 - Sam Cressey (12)
#3S - Sol Brenneman - 6-1, 1-0 - Max White (10)
#1D - Hans Miller/Simon Hurst - 6-0, 1-0 - Zac Ericson (12)/Cameron Rafinski (9)
#2D - Ryan Duckworth/Ethan Lapp - 6-0, 1-0 - Domonik Rafinski (9)/Evan Kovatch (10)