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Robinson's grand slam
The Robinson boys tennis team completed its third trifecta over the weekend.After claiming victory in the state team tournament two weeks ago at Newport News, the Rams stayed in their backyard – relatively speaking – for last Saturday's state singles and doubles finals.
And, as was the case in 2006 and 2007, Robinson – spearheaded by University of Virginia-bound Drew Courtney – added three more pieces of hardware to its trophy case.
Courtney easily cruised to a 6-2, 6-1 win in the singles final during the morning at Jefferson District Park, leaving opponent Ian Fraser of Cox frustrated. A few hours later, under the oppressive midday temperatures that plagued the area, Courtney hit the court with doubles partner Stephen Hardy in the title match.
It wasn't as easy this time, but the Robinson duo toppled Mills Godwin's Kyle Parker and Kevin Calhoun, 6-4, 4-6, 6-0. Courtney finished his high school career with four state doubles trophies, three singles titles and three team championships.
"It feels awesome. It feels just as good as it did the first year," Courtney said. "It's awesome to go out like this, to end my career like this."
Hardy, a junior who became Courtney's doubles partner last season, was asked which of his two state victories was better – doubles in 2007 or 2008?
"It's hard to pick one, but if I had to choose it would be this year's because it's his last year," Hardy replied. "I wanted to do it so bad so he could go out winning [all three] three years in a row. That was very important."
The pair actually lost to Parker and Calhoun one week prior in Newport News, so Saturday's match had even more riding on it. Add in the near 100 degree temperatures, a court lacking any shade whatsoever and a three-figure heat index, and, well, the doubles rematch had much behind it.
Robinson coach Paul Fisher noted that during the 10-minute break between the second and third sets, the Rams came up with an action plan – and then executed it to perfection.
"The 10-minute break, they were ready to go," Fisher said. "[Courtney] came out like a rocket. He hit a couple of bombs for serves. He was putting everything into it. We were really being aggressive, we were moving and getting everything."
Courtney felt his calf cramp up as the pair led 5-0 in the third set, and after they secured the win four points later, Courtney and Hardy did their typical chest bump in celebration. But instead of jubilation, a sense of dread came over the crowd as Courtney fell over in pain, his legs completely cramped after a long day of playing tennis in the heat.
"Maybe these kids won't realize it until they're old and gray like me," said Fisher, a smile on his face. "For a group to come together like this for three or four years like we've been, and just been so dominant, it's significant. They're not gonna remember sitting in English class on February 3, but they're gonna remember this.
“Hopefully they have some good memories."
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