Chieftain October 2017 | Page 6

Strong Showing for Tennis 4th place finish at States wraps up another successful season

By George Mamatas Chieftain Staff

After finishing fourth in the state , it ’ s safe to say the tennis team had another very strong year .

The Warriors dominated their Region , taking another trip to Midland with hopes of bringing home a State title . Rice had a very strong showing in Midland , with two State finalists , three semi-finalists , and two quarter-finalists .

Both one doubles ( Sam Schwartz and Jack Brockhaus ) and two doubles ( Riley McNulty and Niko Mamatas ) battled hard in the finals , but it was eventual State Champ Bloomfield Hills who came out on top both times . Rice went on to place fourth , behind Ann Arbor Huron , Troy , and Bloomfield . Although the season didn ’ t end as hoped , there are many positives to take away from this fall ’ s tennis season .

“ All but two of our players were playing a higher position than last year , which shows the growth of this team in the offseason and during the season ,” said Coach Casey Cullen . “ This was one of my favorite teams to coach because of the Senior leadership and chemistry between all of our players . The difference between winning and losing can be very small , but I am proud of the way we competed .”

IM FOOTBALL

Continued from page 8

day , including Barry Sanders ( worn by Hayden Scott ) and Denard Robinson ( D . J . Dixon ).

Lastly , the Salvation Army , led by popular guy Paddy Dansbury , sits in last place . The Army is looking to right the ship and gain some momentum for the playoffs .

Dansbury is not worried about the

The chemistry on the tennis team was evident throughout the weekend of Oct . 20-21 at the State Championships in Midland

slow start , saying , “ We ’ re still warming up . I ’ m not phased by either team in our division . We ’ re gonna keep that blue -collar attitude that we bring day in day out to lead to us a championship .”

The Salvation Army is no stranger to close games as they arguably won the game of the year , beating the Gump Gang , 77-70 , in triple OT . The gamewinning TD pass was to John Carthew , from Johnny Swider .

What does the future hold for Rice tennis ? “ I know that next year ’ s Seniors will be terrific leaders ,” said McNulty , a Senior , “ and I am confident that Brother Rice Tennis will be at the top again for years to come .”

SOCCER fought hard all year , beating three teams ranked in the top ten and losing only three games . A heart-breaking loss to Troy in the District semifinals ended the season . Despite the tough loss , Junior Nick Rassel had nothing but good things to say .

“ The Seniors really stepped up and did a great job leading the team ,” Rassel said . “ This is one of the best teams I have ever been on .”

CROSS COUNTRY is up to big things this fall . Fresh off a Catholic League Championship , the Warriors have demonstrated tremendous talent and look to improve on last year ’ s third-place finish at the State Championship , tying the best finish ever for the Rice runners . Seniors Grant Davey and Michael Tremonti , and Junior Alec Miracle , lead a group that has its eye on the ultimate prize of a state title .

After a good start to the season , FOOTBALL faced some injuries that proved costly . However , Rice overcame doubts , secured a playoff spot for the second straight year and prepared for its cross-town rival , Groves , in the first round . After a disappointing 24-0 loss to Groves ended their 2016 season , the boys are fired up to get it done . “ Whether it ’ s watching film or reps in practice , it ’ s gotta be 100 pecent because we don ’ t want to regret anything ,” said Senior Captain Michael Laurencelle .

With one week left in the season , we are going to have to go with the Gump Gang to take home the trophy this year . Too much balance on offense and defense will help these guys outplay any team .

As for the other two teams , look for the Blue Chips to knock off the Salvation Army and give the Gumps all that they can handle in the championship game .

BROTHER RICE HIGH SCHOOL CHIEFTAIN PAGE 6 O CTOBER 2017