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Sheets has got it covered for Middies
Middletown senior captain has embraced team concept on tennis court
By Brian McKinney, For The Journal
Most people don't consider tennis a team sport. Middletown senior Ryan Sheets would say otherwise. Last year, Sheets was one of the top singles players for the Middies. Playing mostly at second singles, Sheets amassed a 7-1 record.
But when the 2006 season rolled around, Sheets had to take a backseat to incoming talented freshmen Michael Cole and Tariq Habash. The senior captain could have been upset, but that is not what leaders do.
"I haven't had any problems," Sheets said. "I have known both of them for a long time, and know they have been playing for a long time."
Sheets made it clear Cole and Habash earned their spot on the team. Even though he didn't have any problems, he certainly didn't hand them his spot. The early practice challenge matches ultimately decide who plays where.
"I had my chance to play both of them and they beat me," Sheets said. "So they earned what they got."
Sheets knew coming into this season he would have to play a number of roles. So far, he has played No. 3 singles, doubles, and a spot No. 1 singles start when Cole and Habash were out of town. No matter where Middie coach Tyrone Turner has put him, Sheets has come to play. So far this season, he has a 4-1 record at No. 3 singles and also won his only No. 1 singles match.
"I don't really mind where I play," Sheets said. "If it helps the team, then I am up for it."
It is that kind of team mentality that has Middletown off to a 8-1 start and primed to make a run at the top of the Greater Miami Conference standings. They have already conquered one milestone, beating Hamilton. Middletown hasn't beat Hamilton all four years Sheets has been on the team.
The freshmen have been a major boost for the Middies. As the captain, Sheets is doing all he can to help them be successful. What he sees in these freshmen is a totally different tennis background than that of his own. Sheets was a beginner his freshman year, not taking his first lesson until the summer before high school. He may not be able to teach them much technically on the court, but what he can offer is experience.
"Technically they are very sound, so there isn't much I can offer there," Sheets said. "I just try to make sure that everybody plays hard."
Hard work has made Sheets the tennis player he is today. This fall he will begin college at Wright State University. He may even try and walk on to the tennis team, something he would have never thought possible four years ago.
Until then, there is plenty of work to do in Middletown. Although the top players may be freshmen, the future is now for Sheets and the Middies.
