The Westside boys varsity tennis team’s season is coming to an end with the NSAA Class A State Tournament. Through ups and downs, the Warriors have worked extremely hard in preparation for this moment. Coming off of a second place finish at Metros, they look to add on to their recent success with a state championship. 

The Warriors will showcase No. 1 Singles A.J. Shefsky, No. 1 Doubles Clark Rue and Alex Kugler, No. 2 Singles Josh Rosenblatt and No. 2 Doubles Thomas Pate and Zev Gordman. Sophomore and 2020 No. 2 Singles champion A.J Shefsky has fully embraced the role of team captain, and is focused on uniting the team for stae.

“I told the guys that this is what we’ve been working for,” Shefsky said. “We’ve got to take it one game, one point, one moment at a time.”

Shefsky emphasised the importance of trusting his teammates and them trusting him back. Maintaining composure with a competitive spirit is what Shefsky lives by, and hopes to stay true to that come tournament time.

“I know I’ve got to trust myself,” Shefsky said. “I’ve put in work, my teammates have put in work. I believe in myself and my teammates that we can perform to the best of our abilities.”

            Westside’s head coach Bart Jeseritz not only has faith, but has high confidence in his guys to perform, especially after the Warriors’ great showing at Metros.

            “The Metro Tournament was great for us,” Jeseritz said. “A fifth place, two second places and a first place, you can’t ask for much more than that.”  

             Throughout the season Jeseritz has seen his players handle adversity, and work through it to the best of their abilities.

             “The kids played their absolute hearts out,” Jeseritz said. “Even on the final day, all three matches went to a third set tie break. It was so close even in the ones we weren’t able to get, but the boys played amazing.”

             The Warriors’ fighting spirit will come in handy as they begin the first day of the state tournament later today on Thursday, Oct. 14. Following the matches played today, the second and final day of state will take place tomorrow on Friday, Oct. 15.