By Gerrit Goodwin/ campus news editor
The NE Tennis Club participated in its first Tennis on Campus sectionals event in New Braunfels, and despite only winning two of the seven matches, associate professor and club coach Tim Sebesta feels as though the group accomplished what it set out to do.
“I wanted them to enjoy the experience and see how much fun it is,” he said. “It can be a great competitive and social experience.”
TCC beat both Sam Houston State and West Texas A&M University before losing to the University of North Texas in the consolation final.
Sebesta said his main goal was allowing students to play tennis recreationally after high school, a time when most tennis players stop.
NE student Martina Martin said she has been playing tennis for seven years and joined the club to keep pursuing her hobby.
“I was nervous at first, but I think we did a good job. It’s still something I want to keep on getting better at,” she said. “I competed in tournaments in high school and compared to that everyone is much nicer.”
Martin said because of the atmosphere and the camaraderie between the universities, even the matches the club lost were fun.
Club member Andrew Gentry said he has been playing tennis off and on for several years and had to manage his expectations during sectionals.
“I accepted that I wasn’t in my best form, but even so, we made it to the finals of the consolation bracket,” he said. “Ultimately, we are out here to have fun.”
Gentry said while he will be transferring soon to the University of Texas at Arlington, he will continue being involved in tennis wherever he goes.
NE student Wes Edwards said the trip served not only as a learning experience but also brought members of the club closer together.
“Being there for three days and just playing full matches can take its toll on you, but it also brought us together,” he said. “Even though it was tough competition, I enjoyed everything about it. I feel like we learned a lot, and that experience will show in other games we play.”
