Blue Devil JV Tennis Looks to Build its Ranks

Robert Gilmor hopes that an influx of new players coming into Huntington High School from J. Taylor Finley will solidify the Blue Devil junior varsity tennis program next year.

Although the team was typically shorthanded at its matches, the players who suited up and took the court worked hard to win.

“Each of the players offered something very important to our team’s success,” Gilmor said. Jeremyah Leiva, Kevin Dominguez, Henry Schmid and Lucas Biancardo stood out as up and coming players. Chris Moreira Reyes was a first time tennis player and if he remains committed, he will show great progress in the years to come.”

Gilmor is on a recruiting campaign, trying his best to build up the size of the roster. That said, he is happy with the effort of those currently in the fold.

“Henry Schmid, a freshman, played the best for the team and his play attracted the varsity coach and because of his hard work he was asked to play on varsity for a couple matches,” Gilmor said. “Lucas Biancardo was hurt for a part of the season, but when he came back he provided some much needed strength to the lineup. Jeremyah Leiva and Kevin Dominguez remained a force to be reckoned with as they took on the visiting teams with confidence, skill and great enthusiasm.”

The play of Schmid and Leiva was the highlight of the season. “Henry Schmid from the moment he showed up on the court was a team player with hard work and a great team spirit for the success of himself and those around him,” Gilmor said. “Jeremyah Leiva was a committed player that attended all matches and practices.”

Looking back over the season, Gilmor is pleased with those who stuck with the team and sport. “I am beyond happy with the amazing hard work of all the players and I remain very hopeful that we will attract more players to the team in the upcoming year,” he said.

Look ahead to next year, Gilmor has a positive mindset. “We are only losing five varsity players this year and with off season workouts, I am hopeful that there will be great challenges from the JV players,” he said. “I am hopeful that with the addition of the incoming eighth graders and interest from the current student body, the boys’ JV and varsity tennis teams will become viable contenders in the divisional play moving forward.”