SOUTH BRUNSWICK – Tennis team shares right type attitude

By Susan Shapiro, Kingston
    Saturday I had the pleasure of watching the boys’ varsity tennis team win the Greater Middlesex Conference championship for a record third straight year.
   Even more impressive was its history-making sweep of all five flights (1st, 2nd and 3rd singles, 1st and 2nd doubles).
   High school tennis does not generate quite the fanfare of a sport like football; few show up to watch the matches and little is reported in the local papers.
   But it is a sport that requires a tremendous amount of skill, focus and composure not always expected in kids of this age.
   What I noticed throughout the tournament, as well as other matches I have attended over the past four years, was the exceptional behavior of our players.
   Unlike some of their competitors they uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, never losing their temper under pressure.
   It is no wonder that the team is not only well respected for its record, but also well liked for its overall attitude.
   This is certainly a reflection on Nancy McDonald (varsity) and John Lolli (JV), who coach with a quiet, steady demeanor and who treat all of the players fairly and equally.
   Being a member of this team has been one of the greatest influences on my son during his high schools years – it has made him a better student and a better person.
   So, even in an era of pay-to-play sports and other extracurricular activities, it is important that we realize their worth in the impact they have on our kids and the valuable life lessons our kids learn from participating in them.