Despite being shorthanded throughout the season, the Huntington High School boys’ junior varsity tennis team compiled an 8-5 record and showcased a group of talented young players.
Huntington JV boys' tennis coach Robert Gilmor III.
Coached by high school dean Robert Gilmor III, the JV found a way to win a majority of its matches despite often daunting odds. “The boys were remarkable,” Gilmor said. “They practiced hard and fought in every match.”
The Blue Devil JV practiced alongside the Huntington varsity and competed at opposite sites. “At each of our meets we had to forfeit one or two matches to our opponents, but the boys fought so very hard,” Gilmor said.
Newcomer Harry Alba teamed up with returning veteran Jake Amend to form a potent doubles duo. James Masler, Sam Soric and Luka Zivkovic “were three remarkable freshmen that came off the heels of two years without any competitive tennis at the middle school level to succeed in a highly competitive division,” Gilmor said.
Sophomore Juan Vera Gamez was another surprise, shining despite coming into the season without any experience playing tennis. “Through hard work every day in practice he accomplished so much and by the middle of the season he found himself competing with seasoned players and eventually was able to win some matches at both singles and doubles,” Gilmor said.
Andrew Sullivan and Lars Galvin also contributed to the team’s success, despite having to battle through injuries. “I was fortunate to have them on the team,” Gilmor said.
The coach is looking to build up the squad with more players. “I am very hopeful that more students will choose to try-out for the team for the team next year so we can be even more competitive in this division,” Gilmor said.