A year ago, the CHS Islanders were in the CIF final and the result was a loss of 8-10 to La Jolla Country Day. Fast forward one year later and they captured a stunning victory over the number one seed, La Jolla High School, 10-8 at Barnes Tennis Center. Prior to the match, La Jolla was undefeated with a record of 15-0. Coronado entered the CIF tournament at 9-10 and finished 13-10.
This was the first CIF Division III Championship for Coach Dave Brummitt and the Boys Tennis Team – EVER. Prior to beating La Jolla High School, Coronado beat the number two seed, La Jolla Country Day, by the same score of 10-8.
Coach Brummitt shared: I am really proud of all the boys and needed each and everyone for this win. This is the result of their hard work and dedication, in particular Billy and Ryan and Charlie who have invested so much over the last 10 years to arrive at this superlative performance level! With the majority of the team as Freshman and Sophomores, we will have an even stronger team next year! Wish them luck and come watch the Western League individual tournament Mon 12 May through Thurs 15 May at Balboa.
Both teams were evenly matched with Coronado having the stronger singles players and La Jolla fielding a tougher doubles lineup. After the first round, Coronado swept the singles, while La Jolla swept at doubles. The score was 3-3 (sets).
The second round was a repeat of the first round with Coronado sweeping singles again and La Jolla doing the same in doubles. The score at this point was 6-6 (sets).
It was going to come down to the final round. If the score ended at 9-9, the team with the most games would take the championship. The number two and three doubles teams lost their sets, but the number one team of Sam McNeal and Gunnar Dutch were able to win their set 6-4. This was just the edge the Islanders needed to get pumped up for the final 3 singles matches.
Billy Rowe and Ryan Seggerman made quick work of their opponents winning easily with each notching a score of 6-0. Coronado was now up 9-8 (sets) at this point with the final match between Charlie Rowe and La Jolla’s Jack Hogan battling for the final set and point for their team.
Unfortunately, this is where poor sportsmanship enters the match. Many of the La Jolla players and supporters gathered around Charlie Rowe’s court trying their best to interrupt Charlie’s rhythm by rooting for mistakes and yelling in Charlie’s direction while cheering for their player. Further, a few supporters resorted to name-calling instead of cheering for their own player’s good shots. A CIF official had to ask the La Jolla supporters to not speak to Rowe and to move away from the baseline so they would not distract play. We were also told that the head coach, Matt Previdi, went up to the Rowe twins, prior to the last round, and “reminded” them if they don’t win their sets, Coronado would lose the match. It was clear, to this writer, why the La Jolla players showed poor sportsmanship based on the “leadership” of their coach. We witnessed first hand the unprofessionalism and cockiness of La Jolla’s coach and were extremely pleased to see Coronado get the championship.
Not once did Charlie complain or lose his cool. Further, he responded soundly with his racket, beating Hogan 6-2 and sealing the championship for the Islanders at 10-8 (sets). He may of given a few fist pumps in the direction of the jeering crowd, but he never was brought down to their level. Coronado players and supporters cheered for CHS and their good shots and steered clear from any poor sportsmanship. Coronado sports programs are known for their sportsmanship and this team showed tremendous poise and class during the match and after winning the title.
Congratulations to the Islanders that not only won a huge CIF championship, but did so with class, composure and too much talent for the boys from La Jolla. CHS had no seniors on the team, so expect even stronger results next year.
Number one singles, Billy Rowe (a sophomore), shows off his monster forehand on his way to sweeping all three singles matches: 6-0, 6-0 and 6-0.
Number two singles, Ryan Seggerman (a freshman), lines up a backhand return for an impressive sweep of all three singles players. Ryan’s scores were: 6-1, 7-5 and 6-0.
Number three singles, Charlie “Chuck” Rowe (a sophomore), cut La Jolla down to size winning all 3 singles sets and not giving into the pressure.
It came down to Charlie’s match vs. Jack Hogan. Charlie won his matches 6-3, 6-1 and 6-2.
Number one doubles player, Sam McNeal (a sophomore), blasts a bullet backhand.
Number one doubles player, Gunnar Dutch (a sophomore), lines up a passing shot to help capture the only doubles win for CHS. Their scores were: 1-6, 4-6 and 6-4.
Number two doubles: Sebastian Fernandez guards the net, while freshman Chad Lee nails a backhand. Their scores were 0-6, 2-6 and 1-6.
Later in round two, Sebastian twists an ankle and Geronimo Cue would get the call to play round three. Robin Nixon, CHS Athletic Director, was their to help Sebastian off the court and treat the sprain.
Number three doubles player, Jack Balfour (a sophomore), uses all of his height to get back a high backhand and win the point. Below, Balfour hits a return of serve.
Number three doubles player, Fico Jimenez, smacks a forehand cross court. Their scores were 0-6, 1-6 and 0-6.
Twin support: Billy went over to encourage Charlie in between sets. As pointed out earlier, the La Jolla players and fans were really giving ‘the business’ to Charlie and he was able to answer the challenge and deliver for his team.
Lots of good teamwork and positive encouragement between the Coronado players. Lee and Fernandez exchange a high five.
Time to celebrate! Islanders are CIF Champions and we can’t wait to see them battle for a chance to repeat next year.
GO NADO!
Final Scores:
