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Submitted by North Thurston Public Schools

This year’s boys tennis team from River Ridge High School finished the fall season at 15-1 (13-1 in 3A South Sound Conference) taking the League Championship and finishing second to Silas High School (formerly Wilson High School) at Districts.

Senior Johnny Wood was the singles District Champion and was 16-0 and will play at the 3A State Tournament hosted over Memorial Day next spring in 2023.

First year head coach Greg Bert was thrilled with his team’s effort, and the support of the parents and administration. “We had administrators coming to tennis matches and great total support from parents, which was a wow for me,” Bert stated on his reflection of the season. “Our tennis philosophy is to develop consistency. That is the key. Our motto is ‘Keep it in Play’ as at the high school level consistency trumps power and finesse. Most points are won by the other’s players mistakes, unforced errors.”

Elijah Robledo and Yumin Kim placed 8th at Districts in doubles and are State alternatives. The River Ridge High School team brought an experienced group including seniors Aden Park, Elijah Robledo, Yumin Kim, Elijah Santiago, Johnny Wood and Thomas Pringle.

“Those seniors, they really carried the team and coach Hill did a good job getting them to this point the past three years,” Bert remarked.  “Next year we have two returning starters, Corwin Parmele and Everett McCelland, who also did a fantastic job this year.”

Undefeated Senior Johnny Wood was pleased with his results. “Going undefeated for the regular season was something I was not expecting, but I’m very pleased with my results,” Wood declared. “I’m very excited! Going to State is something that I’ve wanted for four years now, so I hope I can perform well and win some matches.”

The 2023 WIAA 3A State Tournament will be held May 26-27, 2023 at the Vancouver Tennis Center.

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