By By Rob Sigler/The Meridian Star
August 2, 2001
Meridian's junior tennis team put a couple of big feathers in their cap last weekend when the U-10 and U-12 teams captured state championships in Jackson.
Ranging in age from 7-17, Meridian had 22 juniors compete against other tennis organizations from across Mississippi in the USTA State Tennis Championships.
The U-10 team went unbeaten through four matches to capture their state crown, while the U-12's played six matches and were also undefeated.
Members of the state champion U-10 squad include Bryan Epps, Robbie Epps, Benjamin Johnson, Jenna Johnson, Hannah Maddox and Shane Trebisky.
The U-12 state title team members include Bryan Barham, Summer Brown, Matthew Crane, Jimmy Epps, Caroline Nanney and Kelly Sterling.
Meridian also performed very well on the high school level, earning numerous individual victories. The prep members from Meridian were Blaire Barham, Kelsey Cobb, Miller Epps, Kristina Makey, Clint Nanney, Brian Nanney, Kyle Naylor, Daniel Rigdon, Amy Swartzfager and Lisa Swartzfager.
Coach David Trebisky was very impressed with the effort from his Meridian group.
One high school team member that couldn't make the trip because of a much more prestigious event was David Ray.
The 16-year-old was participating in the National Zonal Competition in Austin, Texas and earned a berth in the National Hardcourt Championships in Kalamazoo, Mich. this weekend.
Ray, currently ranked No. 19 in the Southern District, will earn a national ranking after competing in the nationals.
Meanwhile, the Meridian tournament team will continue to practice at the after school clinic offered 3:30-5:30 p.m. beginning Aug. 20. The clinics are available for junior players at all levels.
Trebisky is also gearing up for the Meridian Junior Challenge tennis tournament Aug. 24-26. For more information on youth tennis events at North East Tennis Center, contact Trebisky at 483-3526 or 483-1288.
Rob Sigler is sports editor at the Meridian Star. E-mail him at rsigler@themeridianstar.com or call 693-1551 ext. 3235.