No senioritis on court for Cougars’ Ren
By Justin Feil, Assistant Sports Editor
It’s not uncommon for a senior to finish out a nice career on cruise control.
Mitchell Ren has done the opposite.
The Montgomery High School senior has worked to make the most of his final year on the boys tennis team. He’s stronger, faster and fitter and it’s been showing on the courts.
”He’s been tremendous,” said MHS head coach Erik Tavel, who was an assistant coach last year. “In comparing him to last year, he allowed himself to lose some focus last year, to get himself a bit out of shape and not really be at the level he’s at now. He came in committed. He knew it was his last year. He wanted to lead the team and show himself and the team what he could do. It’s shown in practices and matches and his play. It’s awesome.”
Tavel was hoping that Ren would step into even more of a leadership role in his second year at the top of a Cougars lineup that has big goals.
”I was going to come to him before the season and say, this is what I expect,” Tavel said. “I figured he’d be the one to take on that role. But before I even asked, he assumed that position.”
Ren has been a leader in words and actions. He made the most of his final Somerset County Tournament appearance. Seeded second, Ren marched determinedly into the first singles finals with a 6-1, 6-2 win over third-seeded Rahul Hingorani of Ridge on Saturday. Ren won the third singles championship of his career when he topped fourth-seeded Eric Tai of Bridgewater-Raritan, 6-3, 6-0, Sunday. It was the first time he won the first singles crown and it helped to top off the third straight team championship for Montgomery.
Mitchell Ren is the Princeton Packet Athlete of the Week.
”It definitely means a lot to me,” Ren said. “I always wanted to finish my high school career on a good note. I feel like winning counties is a step in that direction.
”To be honest, I didn’t know where I would stand at the beginning of counties. I’m still getting into the rhythm of the season, with my strokes and everything. It all came together at the county tournament. I wasn’t nervous at all today. I felt good about it.”
Ren made things much easier on himself than he had in his first meeting with Tai, a three-setter that went to a tiebreaker in the third set before Ren won. This time, Ren controlled the match start to quick finish.
”With my top spin on my forehand, I was able to move him side to side,” Ren said. “Every once in a while, I threw in a slice backhand. I didn’t let him get in any sort of rhythm. He played well in the semifinal against Luke Roser in that fast-paced game. I didn’t want to let him get in a rhythm.”
A different sort of build-up has Ren better prepared to dictate matches this year. He’s lost once all season, to Hun’s Chris Seitz, in his first 13 matches, and he’s made a return to high level play.
”Junior year, I kind of took a year off,” said Ren, who lost for the second time this season when Tai avenged the SCT finals loss in Monday’s regular-season match won, 3-2, by Montgomery. “What I mean is I wasn’t training really, I wasn’t playing tournaments. I focused on academics. The goal was to get in a good college. I was able to focus more on playing tennis and getting back in a rhythm this year.”
Ren was admitted early to New York University, where he will continue to play tennis while staying serious about his studies. He already knows a couple of area products who are on the NYU team.
”It’s actually the ideal combo for me,” he said. “NYU, the tennis is Division III, so it’s not a huge commitment where my whole life will be tennis. Playing Division III gives me a chance to focus my energy in two different directions, on academics and athletics.”
Ren’s strength on the court, says Tavel, is counter punching. Opponents have found it tough to get anything by him. Ren’s improved fitness is allowing him to run more shots down, and he’s putting more pressure on opponents.
”He’s dictating, which is allowing him to get easier shots and move in and go for the kill and not sitting back and waiting,” Tavel said. “Instead of waiting, he’s initiating. It makes him a tougher player to deal with. And he’s in much better shape. He’s done it with diet and a trainer. He said he lost a good 15-20 pounds. That helps a lot.”
Explained Ren: “I feel quicker on the court.”
A county title has him feeling even better about his play.
”Definitely winning counties at first singles was one of my major goals,” Ren said. “Freshman year, I won at third singles, and sophomore year I won second singles, and last year I failed to win at first singles. I think I got out in the quarterfinals. It was tough last year and I didn’t win.
”It’s definitely a boost in confidence. I was a little unsure before counties and to do well in counties gave me that extra confidence.”
The county win in dominant fashion also helps the Cougars’ confidence as a team. The 3-2 win over Bridgewater on Monday gives them another quality win.
”I’m definitely happy with the season overall,” Ren said. “Early on, we actually lost to Ridge. That was like a wake-up call for us. We’ve been on track ever since.
”The ultimate goal,” he added, “is to do well at states. I think we have a good shot at that. Each of our positions did well at the county tournament. It boosts confidence for all of us. We’re looking forward with optimism.”
With his first singles title and another team title wrapped up, Mitchell Ren is looking forward to the big finish he’s worked for as a senior.
”He has that belief and confidence,” Tavel said. “He has that edge. It’s very important. You have to have that belief in your core. You have to have that and that’s really helped him. As a coach, and as a person, you want to have him tap into that. He has.”