One of the most heated rivals of the Godwin boy’s tennis is Freeman High School. It has been an ongoing feud between the two schools in the past 10 years.
On May 9, the Godwin boy’s tennis team won their match against Freeman in their match.
The score of the match was 5-4 (Godwin to Freeman). Freshman Adam Collins (playing two singles), sophomore Grant Sarver (playing three singles), and senior Chris Ray (playing four singles) all had wins in singles.
“Sarver had his first ever win against an opponent that he has met many times,” said boy’s assistant tennis coach Michael Silver.
After singles, the teams were tied at 3-3, meaning Godwin won three singles matches and Freeman won three as well. Therefore, the outcome of the match would be determined in doubles.
“Both sides possessed very gentlemen like behavior and sportsmanship, although tennis matches get intense and very heated,” said Silver.
In the midst of doubles it began to rain heavily and thunder; the matches were on a rain delay until the courts were properly dried and the rain and lightning/thunder ceased. Some spectators would say that due to the match being rained out and rescheduled from May 5 to May 9 and the rain delay in the tensest moments of that match in doubles that Freeman could have beaten Godwin.
The first match off the court was a loss at number two doubles with Ray and sophomore Ben Manspile, falling to Freeman juniors Peter Brodzik and Greg Akerman, who won in two quick sets. Saver and junior Michael McCarty then won number three doubles in two sets. The match remains tied at 4-4 with one match left to play.
“The match came down to the final doubles match featuring senior captain and number one singles player Jack Rotty and Collins, who came away with a dramatic win after a rain delay,” said Silver.
“Beating freeman was, in my opinion, one of the best wins in our team’s season. We lost badly the first time and then worked hard to get the win the second time,” said Rotty. “This match had an environment that tennis people would appreciate. After the soccer game most of the crowd gathered around the courts to make a unique experience for all involved,” said Silver. “It was one of those nights we all will treasure for a long time. I was proud of the kids and exited to be a part of such a special night,” said Silver.
