Flower Hill's Billy Suarez is a Champ
Billy Suarez is a typical Flower Hill School third grader, except that he possesses extraordinary talent in the sport of tennis. The youngster practices and plays with skill and determination and he has the awards to prove it.
Mr. Suarez is a hard worker who is committed to doing his best in the classroom and on the tennis court. He adheres to a strict individual training schedule, and also spends time training with his sister, Rebecca, a Flower Hill first grader.
"The two love to compete in their respective divisions," said Paula Grafstein-Suarez, the youngsters' proud mother. Mr. Suarez currently competes in U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) sanctioned tournaments in the boys 10 and under and 12 and under tournaments in the Eastern Division.
The Flower Hill standout most recently competed in the 2010 Little Mo Tournament, which allows youngsters to compete within their age/gender group, such as 8 and under; 9 & under; etc. Andy Roddick won this tournament in 1992 and went on in his career to capture the 2003 U.S. Open champion. (More information about the Little Mo competition, which is not sanctioned by the USTA, can be found at www.mcbtennis.org.)
Playing as the No. 1 seed, Mr. Suarez won the sectionals in Armonk, New York last May and then captured the regional tournament in Homewood, Illinois this past July. The later was an especially impressive accomplishment since it brought together top players from the Midwest, Eastern, New England and Middle State sections.
Mr. Suarez most recently competed in the Little Mo Nationals in Austin, Texas, winning four of five matches and ultimately taking the "backdraw" of the tournament earlier this month.
This week, state Senator Carl Marcellino presented a citation to Mr. Suarez on the Huntington High School tennis courts. "The New York State Senate takes note of certain extraordinary individuals and wishes to recognize the individuals for their valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among us all," Mr. Marcellino said.
The good-natured third grader fits right in with his classmates and friends, but can be a fierce competitor when he laces up his sneakers and picks up his tennis racquet. "Billy Suarez is an individual who has achieved success and worked tireless toward achieving his goals in the sport of tennis," Mr. Marcellino said