July 1, 2021 at 7:36 a.m.
Weddle named RHS boys' tennis MVP
Weddle named RHS boys' tennis MVP
The two-time Great Northern Conference singles player of the year headlined a list of award winners that covered most of the varsity squad. All five of the team's seniors were honored with special awards along with junior Leo Losch and freshman Joey Belanger.
But the top honors belonged to Weddle, who ascended into the No. 1 singles spot early in the 2019 season. If not for the COVID-19 pandemic cancelling the 2020 season, there's a good chance Weddle would have been a three-time MVP and conference player of the year. As it was, Weddle finished with a 55-16 career record, including a 16-1 mark in 2021.
"He's filled this role and took on, most likely, the best player from every other team out there," coach Matt Nichols said during the banquet. "Not only on the court performing well, which he did the entire season, but he was also a great leader and valuable to the team that way. He would coach other people, he was very knowledgeable and he'd share that knowledge with some of the younger and developing players."
Weddle's lone loss this year was to Notre Dame Academy's Alan Schneider in the sectional quarterfinals. That was enough, however, to deny Weddle a trip to the state tournament after he did not receive a special qualifier exemption from the WIAA into the state Division 1 singles draw.
"I don't think we can measure your success with just that one result," Nichols told Weddle during the banquet. "Qualifying for state is a big accomplishment, but the progress, the improvement and the hard work that you put in I think measure up to be more than just qualifying for state. Although Jacob didn't make it to state, he's able to continue and play tennis in college. I know you belong there and you'll do well there."
Weddle along with the remainder of the team's five seniors - Billy Berwig, Joseph Heck, Jake Losch and Joey Sturzl - shared the captaincy this spring, and all five were recognized for their efforts.
"A coach can only do so much and then there's leadership that happens from within." Nichols said. "I think a lot of the success we had during the season was due to those captains, the hard work and their example on and off the court. Congrats to all of you guys. We'll miss you and best of luck in college."
In addition to being named a team captain, Jake Losch was also tabbed as the team's most improved player. He went from no varsity starts as a sophomore, to an undefeated season as a senior as he and Joseph Heck won the sectional title at No. 3 doubles.
"I was able to work with this athlete two years ago as an assistant coach and, from the end of that season to the end of this season there was a lot of improvement," Nichols noted.
Berwig was given the team spirit award for his positive attitude that helped he and teammate Layne Roeser win a conference title at No. 2 doubles and place third in the flight at sectionals. Sturzl won the team's three-setter netter award, going 4-0 in matches that either went to three sets or concluded in a match supertiebreaker.
Belanger, who went 15-4 this season at No. 2 singles, won the team's Rookie of the Year Award. He was also presented the Golden Racquet Award, which is passed down from an upperclassman to an underclassman with a bright future. The previous winner of the award, junior Luke Ring, handed down the Golden Racquet to Belanger.
"Moving to that No. 2 singles was huge and really helped out the team," Nichols said. "It was great watching Joey gain confidence throughout the season. I know Weddle helped him out hitting with some pace and getting him up there, but from where he started playing Pacelli in that first match to where he ended at sectionals, it was a night and day difference and we're looking forward to many great years to come."
Leo Losch won the team's hustle award, going 13-7 overall on the season, primarily playing at No. 3 singles.
Nichols said the team accomplished four of the six goals it had for the season -missing only marks for the largest margin of victory in Great Northern Conference history and team grade point average.
Still the Hodags won their seventh straight conference title and aimed to win 75% of its team matches this year. Not only did Rhinelander achieve that with a 16-0 mark in dual meets, the team collectively won 86% of individual matches played on varsity this season. The Hodags qualified all 10 of its varsity players for sectionals when it had a goal of seven or more.
"While this is a celebration of all the accomplishments we had during the season, a lot of these were earned during practice - either during the given practice time during the season or during the summer," Nichols said.
Freelance reporter Bob Mainhardt contributed to this report.
Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].
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