Coaches encourage players to excel in the classroom
Chris Davila
Section: Sports
The success of the Apache tennis program is well known by opponents, hopeful recruits, and anyone else familiar with Tyler in general. But what most outside the program aren't familiar with is the success the players have in the classroom.
Although there are several factors that contribute to the players' achievements, there is one common attribute that all the player's share-a great mind.
"We've got great kids," Head Coach John Peterson said. "Typically our players do well when it comes to grades. Our team GPA is usually around 3.5."
It appears that Peterson has gotten through to his players about the importance of making good grades as he went on to say that 95 percent of his players go on to graduate from TJC and from a four-year university.
Peterson points to the players as the reason for the success of the program. And even though his rosters are filled with foreign-born players, he and his coaching staff don't scour the globe looking for talented recruits, as most would expect.
"We get a lot of support from the town and with our reputation and our facilities, it isn't hard to convince players to come here," Peterson said. "I haven't had to recruit a (foreign) player in a long time. They recruit us."
With many available players on the men's and women's roster, the ability and talent of each player isn't the only determining factor when it comes to who plays and who doesn't.
Players know they must keep their grades up or risk the possibility of another player filling their spot.
"Coach usually puts a lot of pressure on us to have good grades and keep our GPA up," freshman Colby Meeks said. "The tutors are helpful."
As the spring season begins, so does individual play with a number of matches on the road. The players will again be faced with the task of attempting to stay on top of their game as well as on top of their studies.
"It can get pretty tough if you don't keep up with your work," Meeks said.
In order to relieve some of the stress that can occur, the players make sure to stay close with their professors.
Although there are several factors that contribute to the players' achievements, there is one common attribute that all the player's share-a great mind.
"We've got great kids," Head Coach John Peterson said. "Typically our players do well when it comes to grades. Our team GPA is usually around 3.5."
It appears that Peterson has gotten through to his players about the importance of making good grades as he went on to say that 95 percent of his players go on to graduate from TJC and from a four-year university.
Peterson points to the players as the reason for the success of the program. And even though his rosters are filled with foreign-born players, he and his coaching staff don't scour the globe looking for talented recruits, as most would expect.
"We get a lot of support from the town and with our reputation and our facilities, it isn't hard to convince players to come here," Peterson said. "I haven't had to recruit a (foreign) player in a long time. They recruit us."
With many available players on the men's and women's roster, the ability and talent of each player isn't the only determining factor when it comes to who plays and who doesn't.
Players know they must keep their grades up or risk the possibility of another player filling their spot.
"Coach usually puts a lot of pressure on us to have good grades and keep our GPA up," freshman Colby Meeks said. "The tutors are helpful."
As the spring season begins, so does individual play with a number of matches on the road. The players will again be faced with the task of attempting to stay on top of their game as well as on top of their studies.
"It can get pretty tough if you don't keep up with your work," Meeks said.
In order to relieve some of the stress that can occur, the players make sure to stay close with their professors.
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