Wildcats Tennis Coach Tony Martinez can be a real ambassador for tennis. He was in that role Monday (September 30) as he offered a fledgling Royse City program an opportunity to play practice matches with his team at the Wildcat Tennis Center. Coach Martinez said the Wildcats had fun Monday. He said Royse City needs help getting started and he added he’s been there too here in Sulphur Springs. Coach Martinez said his players were on best behavior refraining from overt cheering, laughing or making fun of their opponents. He said his players respected kids that also have a passion to play tennis. Coach Martinez said lots of his girls got to play matches but he said the Bulldogs were three boys short so several of his Wildcats boys were left out. Coach Martinez took the opportunity to match his #1 and #2 boys players so Jonah Kirkpatrick faced Aaron Lucas. Senior Jordan Gonzales ended up playing a mixed doubles match with freshman Mykylie Meador. They won that match and Meador also won her #3 girls singles match. Coach Martinez urged his players to try some new things during the matches such as attacking the net, using drop shots or trying different types of serve. He said Royse City brought a terrific bunch of kids and some dedicated coaches. Except for a playoff warm up match next Tuesday at Anna, the Wildcats will have a lot of practice time getting ready for an October 15 bi-district match. Coach Martinez said he would have no idea who the Wildcats will play until the end of play next Tuesday. He said the other district is a tight one with lots of possibilities for opponents including Jacksonville, Hallsville or Whitehouse. Lufkin and John Tyler are also fighting for playoff spots. The Wildcats are their district’s #3 seed behind Texas High and Lindale.
