Hamilton Boys’ Tennis has grown on and off the court for years.
By: Seth Hoppes
What started as a varsity-only sport has grown into Varsity, JV, and even middle school teams. As popularity has changed, only one thing has stayed the same: hardworking athletes who show good sportsmanship.
When Coach Lubbers looks back at his career, one season stands out above the rest: 2014. The team was filled with talented athletes and surprised several teams throughout the season. They eventually finished 9th at the state tournament.
“2014 was a big step forward,” Lubbers said. “With a big finish in the state tournament, it increased the interest of other boys in our tennis program.”
The tennis program has changed a lot since Coach Lubbers first year. In 2000, since the Varsity, Junior Varsity, and middle school programs. Increased participation has created more opportunities for students to get involved in tennis.
However, the early years were not always easy. Coach Lubbers remembers his first few seasons as “pretty rough years.” Tennis was viewed differently at the time; Coach Lubbers admits that he had a lot to learn as a Tennis Coach.
As the program developed, his coaching philosophy became focused on more than just winning. While talent is important, he believes effort, attitude, and teamwork are even more important.
“I focus more on effort and attitude,” he said. “I also value the ability of kids to support each other on and off the court.”
That mindset is especially important during close matches. Instead of worrying about the final score, he teaches his players to focus on one point at a time and encourages them to stay calm and relaxed. His goal is to help players stay confident no matter what is happening during a match.
His goal is to help players stay confident no matter what is happening during a match. “Try to stay upbeat and positive no matter what the score is in the match,” he said. “The match is never over until the last point is won.”
Sportsmanship is another major part of his coaching philosophy. He believes that how a player acts is more important than whether they win or lose. “At the end of the day, tennis is just a game and a player’s integrity is MUCH more important than wins and losses,” he said.
Over the years, many players have made an impact on the program. Two players that stand out are Justin Folkert and Grant Wolfram. Folkert holds the Hamilton record for career wins with 84 after playing first singles for four years. Wolfram and his doubles partner, Austin Haverdink, finished one season with an impressive 30-1 record. Their only loss came in the quarterfinals of the state tournament.
Coach Lubbers has had memorable moments outside of boys tennis. In 2023, Hamilton won its first girls regional championship. He described it as a tremendous year that also helped increase interest in girls tennis at Hamilton.
While winning championships and reaching state tournaments are important accomplishments, Coach Lubbers hopes his impact goes much further.
“I hope that I have not just taught tennis skills, but more importantly, that I have instilled a good work ethic in the players and have taught things that turn young boys and girls into outstanding men and women,” Coach Lubbers said.
That idea shows what Hamilton tennis has become. The program is about being prepared, competing hard, supporting teammates, and showing good sportsmanship. For Coach Lubbers, the biggest part of his legacy may not be the wins or records, but the lessons his players take with them after they leave the court.