BY LOGAN CAMPBELL
Over President’s Day weekend, an unusual duo could be spotted playing tennis at Mariemont’s municipal tennis courts.
Juniors Andrew Brandser and Bradley Barrett are preparing for their first season on the high school tennis squad. “I’ve played two times in the past ten years,” says Barrett. The two times Barrett has played were over the long weekend.
Brandser has also had little experience, but has been working on his game recently. “I practice two hours a day, and when I’m not on the court, I can’t help but think about my game,” says Brandser (NOTE: Brandser just started this routine over President’s Day weekend).
Both rookies are looking forward to being on the big stage. “I want to wipe the smirk off my opponents’ face,” says Brandser.
“I can’t wait to get out on the clay and feel the way the square holes on my racket slice through the air,” says Barrett.
Although both expect to earn a spot on JV, they expect a bright season. “I think I’m a real dark horse, but we could definitely make a run at the title,” says Barrett.
“I think I’ll be overlooked, but everyone loves an underdog,” says Brandser.
For the seasoned tennis athletes at Mariemont, there are very low expectations for the junior tennis rookies.
“Barrett is a bit over-confident,” says Varsity standout Jackson Northrop. “He should be a little bit more modest, CHL tennis is very competitive and an overly-confident attitude will hurt your chances of winning.”
Junior Matthew McGrory, another varsity tennis standout, looks forward to the junior rookies joining the squad. “We already have a strong junior presence but it’s good to get some fresh meat. Last year when Joey Kromer and Spencer Stutenroth joined the team as seniors, they added great morale to the team and I hope that Brad and Andrew bring the same spirit,” says McGrory.
Before tryouts, Coach Lane Merten puts tennis athletes through a three day training session at Mercy Health Plex. Matthew McGrory hopes that the juniors will be prepared for the grueling training ahead. “I think they should be weary of Mrs. Merten and her brutal training regimen for preseason,” says McGrory.
Despite some oppositions and worries of the junior rookies, they are ready for the challenges ahead.
“I will let my game do the talking,” says Brandser.
“You know what they say, it’s not about winning, it’s about having fun,” says Barrett.