File photo by Kiera Classen

This year the Spartans were looking forward to sending some players to state, as it seemed that most of them received good seeds. Within an hour of the arrival, the tournament kicked off to some exciting matches as TJ won all of their first round battles, except #1 singles, Amadou Kromah, who faced a well prepared player from Arvada as he lost 6-2, 6-3. After the match Amadou said, “This is very new to me. I know I don’t have the match and tournament experience like most kids out here. Next year I will be ready, because I am playing all year long.”

A few courts over was Dominic Murray. He had his work cut out for him. Dominic was up against Davis Carter from DSST. The two players faced off in the regular season and Dominic managed to pull it out at the end, winning 2-6, 6-4, 10-2. Dominic stayed focused during the rematch at regionals and came out on top 5-7, 6-4, 7-6 (7-4).

Everyone was thrilled to get out of the first round but had their work cut out for them in the semi-finals. Most of the team had Dawson next with the exception of Murray who had Colorado Academy.

TJ fought hard like Spartans should, but lost all semi-final matches. It was not exactly how the team wanted to finish out the day, but they were all glad that almost the whole team got to come back for a chance at state the following day.

Day two, the Spartans were back at Colorado Academy to try to take a shot at state. TJ lost all matches except one. #1 doubles team,  James Bayarsaihan and Gunther Cueva   took it to Evergreen. It was a tough match but they came out on top 6-7, 6-4, 6-2.

As the tennis season comes to an end, the boys are looking forward to the next season, only losing three varsity players. Murray and Bayarsaihan plan to take their talent on to the next level at college. Cody plans to hang the racket up on a terrific season.

Good luck next year Spartans!

Photo by Kiera Classen

The Varsity TJ Spartans met up against another rival school this week at City Park. East High School has always had one of the strongest tennis teams in Denver Public Schools. TJ’s Capitan, Dominic Murray gathered his faithful Spartans around him before the match, but very few words were said. “Respect” and “Fight” were among those that really stood out.

Many of the Varsity Tennis Team had just seen what East had to offer at the Lincoln Invite five days earlier, where TJ took 2nd overall with Murray in place to take the only 1st Place finish before the match was rained out, missing the chance to claim the title.

#1 Singles, Amadou Kromah battled for almost 2hrs and 30mins, and finally walked away from his match with a ‘W’ after winning 5-7, 6-4, 6-2.

#2 Singles, Dominic Murray destroyed his competitor 6-1, 6-3. After the match Dominic Murray said it would have been 6-0, 6-0 if he hadn’t had to work on a few things.

#3 Singles, Jeremy Albright really stepped up his game to clip his opponent angle’s wings, launching lobbed balls into the air just out of their reach. Although, this was the extent of the Spartans’ wins on this Thursday, it still felt like a victory, being able to represent Thomas Jefferson with such class.

The Varsity was not the only team that got in on the play. TJ’s Junior Varsity team was also able to play multiple matches. 3 out of the 4 matches played came with a victory for the Young Spartans, which says that things will continue to look hopeful for TJ’s Tennis program in the future.

Photo by Dominic Murray

Before the match, rain seemed like it would put a dampener on things; but it turned out to be Creek that got TJ all wet. The match started off with introductions and then the players gathered around Coach Tim Cueva for some very encouraging words:  “We are 4-1, all we need to do is believe and we can take it to Creek, too.” This was the beginning and the end.

With a few more spectators than usual, the Spartans played hard, but lost to the Bruins 7-0. #1 Doubles player James Bayarsaihan said, “Although the team lost overall, I felt like Gunther Cueva and I had a really good match. We lost 5-7, 3-6 but we will keep working.”

Also, #4 Doubles player Cody Anderson said, “This loss will show the team what they need to work on and prepare us for the rest of the season.”

The other players also represented well against Creek, but they too fell short. #1 and #2 singles battled hard but slipped, not expecting their opponents to be as strong as they were. All of TJ singles were heard speaking after the match and saying that this is what they should expect from all of the matches; George Washington, Denver East, Denver School of Science and Technology, which are all coming up.

The tennis team is looking forward to rebounding at the Lincoln Invite this coming Saturday, where they will be able to size up against several of the schools that will be at the regional competition in October.

Photo by Dominic Murray

This writer and Team Captain, Dominic Murray feels that the tennis team will have a strong chance of being able to defend its city title and put another trophy in the case.

The Spartans had their first match against the Conifer Lobos on Thursday, August 25, where they played aggressively but came up short with a score of 3-4.  After the match,  #2 singles, Amadou Kromah said, “Our singles look strong and our doubles show good team work, but overall the team has a lot of room for improvement. My goal for this year is to win state.”

Wanting to rebound from the loss to Conifer, the Spartans had a solid week of practice before meeting Englewood at the nets of Thomas Jefferson on August 30th.  TJ had a dominating performance, beating the Pirates 7-0.  After the match, #3 singles, Jeremy Albright said, “The team looked great and the singles looked stronger than they have been in a while.”

Keeping the momentum alive, our Spartans matched up against the Lincoln Lancers on September 6th at the next match, Lincoln fell short to TJ’s varsity squad.  In that match, TJ swept the Lancer’s 7-0, which is a major confidence builder as they continue with the rest of what appears to be a tremendous season.   Head Coach, Tim Cueva said after the match, “The team looks better overall than it did last year,” and added that he was even hopeful of sending several players to state.

Photo by Hanna Kazlouskaya

After a great success at the TJ Invite on the TJ tennis courts on October 1^st, the boys went off to playoffs at Colorado Academy placing 4^th overall and finishing the season as DPL City Champs. The boys fought hard throughout the season and received the results that they hoped for.

“This has been a wonderful season for the boys. I am proud of them and glad that my first year of coaching has brought so much success,” said Head Coach Tim Cueva. The team has greatly improved throughout the season thanks to the new coaching.

“Even though we lost a couple of our matches, we proved to everyone what we are capable of,” said Sophomore Zack Robinson. The season was one of the toughest the team has had, but there was no stopping this hardworking team.

“Cueva has really set the standard high on the tennis team. Now we don’t expect any less than what we achieved this season,” said Robinson. The boys are already looking forward to next year, and know that they have a lot to live up to. The highest standard has been set for the team.

“Through this season we all learned what we are capable of and what we can achieve as a team. I am glad to see that we were able to pull though the hard times in the season,” said Junior James Bayarsaihan, who said he is ready to be the leader of next year and take the tennis team to greater heights. “We looked up to our seniors and I think we are ready for next year. We promise to not disappoint,” said Bayarsaihan.

Next year this team is losing their captain and number one singles player Senior Andrew Becker. “I loved this season so much, being a leader to the younger kids and setting an example for other teammates. I have enjoyed playing on the TJ Tennis team and will miss them greatly next year. We are all happy that we were able to win All City Champs. This season turned out with a great ending and we are all excited that we made it like that,” said Becker.

“This season could not have turned out any better. Although we would have loved to do better at regionals, we are still glad that we have been able to win City Champs. I think it sets us apart for next year’s season,” said Junior Dominic Murray. The guys in the team cannot be happier for their success this season. They have accomplished something that they had their eye on for many years by winning All City.

“We could not have done this without all the great people that have supported us throughout the season. Thank you to everyone who has come to our games and cheered with us; we are all happy that we could make TJ proud,” said Murray. Thus, the 2010 Boys’ Tennis Team finishes off their season with a bang.

Photo by Hanna Kazlouskaya

After a lifetime of playing tennis, Officer Tim Cueva has taken up the position of Head Tennis Coach for the boys’ tennis team for the 2010 fall season.

“The only rule I have always remembered is what my old coach told me, ‘Quitters never win and winners never quit,’” said Cueva, remembering his days when he played on the tennis team at Aurora Central High School and his freshman year at Arizona State University. An avid tennis player himself, Cueva came to TJ last year and decided to get involved with the girls’ tennis team and pass on his knowledge to the players.

“Tennis is really a lifetime sport and I’m proof of that. All that it really requires is the ambition and to play; you can always work on improving your kills based on your physical ability,” said Cueva. Summer was also filled with a lot of playing and practicing with the guys’ tennis team at the TJ tennis courts.

The team feels that Cueva has bonded with all the players and built a good team spirit among the guys. “Cueva has been helping all the kids with their struggles like forehand shots, backhand shots and volleys. He is overall a great addition to the team and has brought all the guys closer. We love his good humor and his competitive side when it comes to tennis,” said Junior James Bayarsaihan.

Sophomore Zack Robinson agrees that the team has improved greatly since Cueva started as the Head Coach. “Coach Cueva has helped my game by improving my mental focus. Before, I would get distracted and start doing badly, but now I know how to stay on track,” said Robinson. “The team needed a new coach that can teach us all how to concentrate on our game and get us prepared for our matches. We are all glad to have him!”

During this season Coach Cueva has a goal to expand the knowledge of the game to his players and let them have fun with it. “I want to give them a new perspective and a fresh look at the game. I hope to bring a more relaxed atmosphere to practice and make the game exciting for the players,” said Cueva.

Robinson feels that this change of pace is seen in the kids and how they have been approaching their tennis skills. “He is trying to create a good atmosphere for the kids to learn and have fun while being competitive and friendly. Tennis is a game of sportsmanship and honor, and he is helping us learn the mental aspect of the game,” said Robinson.

When former Coach Joel Belmer left the team at the beginning of this year, Cueva stepped up and took over the coaching. “I wanted to help the Athletic Department because I really love tennis and hope to pass on my passion for the game,” said Cueva. The team has responded with an improvement in its playing and the bond between the guys. Cueva is expecting the team to do great this season and live up to their standards. “[I expect] the very best! We have a great bunch of young men with mixed talents. It may take a season to get them in the right place, but I have faith in them.”

So far the team has five wins and three losses. The guys came out with a recent win against East High School making them ranked second in their division. This recent win earns them a spot in the regional tournament and a shot at making it to State playoffs. “This is a tough journey but as long as we have our rock, Cueva, we are not giving up hope,” said Bayarsaihan.

Photo by Hanna Kazlouskaya

On September 27th the Boys’ Tennis Team faced off against Cherokee Trail High School on the home courts in several tough matches, with an overall score of 2-5.

The team has been on a roll with four consecutive wins that gives the guys high spirits and a chance to make it to playoffs. “The team is pumped at having won the matches that give them a pass into the playoffs, but Cherokee Trail is a tough school to beat. This was not going to be an easy match,” said Head Coach Tim Cueva.

Indeed, Cherokee Trail has held out with an impressive team score of 6-1, only losing to Mullen High School. However, this did not stop the guys from putting forward their best foot and fighting until the end. “This match was the worst match I’ve had in awhile but it’s not going to stop me from trying to beat East,” said James Bayarsaihan the #3 singles on the team.

“We couldn’t pull a win this time. Cherokee Trail has a very good team that was no match for us. We hope this loss won’t affect the team for the East match,” said the #1 singles player Andrew Becker. Despite the loss, the team is pumped for their match against East that is just around the corner. “Losing hurts. But it’s not something that can bring us down easily. Another tough match that is coming up is against East High School. We have high hopes in beating them,” said Cueva.

The team did make some progress when Dominic Murray, the #2 singles player, won his match, which was an intense one to watch with a score of 6-4, 6-4. “This is a developing year for me. Earlier in the season I lost a few of my matches but throughout the season I have been trying to get better. This match was definitely a high point in my high school career. Winning this gives me hope in going to state,” said Murray.

The next match is against East at TJ, and this one is guaranteed to be a good watch, so come support the tennis team at its home courts on September 28th at 4:00 p.m.!

Scores:
Thursday 8/26   3:30 PM       vs.   Conifer High School       L 1-6
Tuesday 9/7        4:00PM       @     George Washington High School   L 7-0
Thursday 9/9      4:00PM       @     Englewood High School W 7-0
Tuesday 9/14      4:00PM       vs.    John F. Kennedy  W 4-3
Thursday 9/16    4:00PM       @     Abraham Lincoln High School W 5-2
Thursday 9/23   4:00PM       @      Denver South High School W 5-2
Monday 9/27     4:00PM        vs.     Cherokee Trail High School L 2-5
Tuesday 9/28    4:00PM        vs.     Denver East High School
Thursday 9/30  4:00PM        vs.     Montbello High School
Monday 10/4     4:00PM        @     Denver School of Sci. & Tech.

Photo by Hanna Kazlouskaya

TJ Boy’s Tennis faced off against Kennedy High School September 14^th on the home courts, with tough matches, in hopes to take the win and continue its path into the playoffs, and they win with a score of 4-3.

However, the guys came up a little short when playing against Conifer and George Washington, but are not giving up hope to succeed in the upcoming matches. When they played against Englewood High School they brought the win home with a score of 7-0. “You lose some and you win some. The losses make the guys upset but give them a reason to practice harder and work on the things that they need to improve,” said Head Coach Tim Cueva.

TJ has been successful against Kennedy High School in the past, but this year the Commanders have gotten a lot better, putting up a good fight against the TJ tennis team.

“It’s always disappointing when we lose. We could have all done better and played like we were supposed to, but we still have a lot of work ahead of us,” said sophomore Zack Robinson, playing the #1 doubles position with Jeremy Albright. “I played a little shaky and my strokes weren’t as smooth as they could have been. The result of that came in the end with our loss.” The #1 doubles lost with a score of 6-1, 4-6, 5-7.

The doubles teams that won are #2 doubles Gunther Cueva and David Tourt with 6-0, 6-1. The #3 doubles Kiote Clemens and Morgan Hoyt won with a score of 6-4, 6-4. The #4 doubles team Cody Anderson and Matthew Gonzalez won 6-3, 3-6, 10-7.

The team is looking forward to the next few practices so they can improve for the upcoming matches. The Assistant Coach, Kimberly Holtmann, has one motto that always helps out the guys, “Our team plays hard but always has fun doing it.”

Make sure to come and support your TJ Tennis Team at their next match on September 16^th at 4:00 p.m. as they face off against Lincoln High School at Lincoln.

Scores:
Thursday 8/26   3:30PM        vs.        Conifer High School                          L 1-6

-Tuesday 9/7   4:00PM           @        George Washington High School   L 7-0

Thursday 9/9   4:00PM           @        Englewood High School                   W 7-0

Tuesday 9/14   4:00PM           vs.        John F. Kennedy                                W 4-3

Thursday 9/16  4:00PM          @        Abraham Lincoln High School

Thursday 9/23  4:00PM          @        Denver South High School

Tuesday 9/28   4:00PM           vs.        Denver East High School

Thursday 9/30  4:00PM          vs.        Montbello High School

Friday 10/1      8:00AM            vs.        Spartan Tennis Invite

Monday 10/4   4:00PM            @        Denver School of Sci. & Tech.

Spartan tennis faces off the Conifer wolf pack once again.

Senior Andrew Becker returns service. Photo by Anna Kazlouskaya

This year brings hope and confidence to the boys’ tennis team, but their first match was with a tough competitor, the Conifer Wolves, who gave the team an insight to how hard the competition will be in class 4A tennis.

The Spartan tennis team put up a good fight against Conifer, but came out a little short of a win with the score of 1-6. The player who achieved a victory in their match was #3 singles, James Bayarsaihan. He had one of the best matches of the day, winning both sets 6-0, 6-0. “I think I played well during this match and kept up a good pace. My plan for this season is to stay consistent and win all my matches 6-0, 6-0,” he said.

The loss didn’t bring down the team spirit for the forthcoming season, as the guys seem ready to work harder on their game and improve for the upcoming matches. “The team atmosphere is great. This is a young group with high energy and high potential, but laid back. The guys are fun to practice with because they keep improving, which is nice to watch. They have a lot of potential to win State,” Head Coach Tim Cueva said with pride.

This year the team has experienced a change in both coaching and training when Coach Cueva took over. “This season I expect to push the guys to the fullest and win the city championship,” said Cueva. The squad is feeling pressure to win but they are ready to show everyone what they are made of.

“Our biggest competitors this season are East and George. I am making sure the guys are ready for these matches,” said Coach Cueva, who went on to explain that these matches are going to be tough but the team is confident that they can win.

“I’ve been practicing a lot for my match with East and I’m hoping to win against them this year!” said Bayarsaihan. The singles lineup this year consists of Senior Andrew Becker, Junior Dominic Murray, and Junior James Bayarsaihan.

The squad also has big hopes in the doubles teams: #1 doubles is Zack Robinson and Jeremy Albright; #2 doubles is Gunther Cueva and David Tourt; #3 doubles is Morgan Hoyt and Kiote Clemens; and #4 doubles is Cody Anderson and Matthew Gonzalez. “We are eager to win as many matches as possible and make it to State. Throughout the season I want to improve on my serves and accuracy,” said Sophomore Zack Robinson. This team is working hard for its next matches so it can begin its journey to State.

The next match for the tennis team is against Kennedy at TJ on September 14th at 4:00 p.m.  Be there to support the TJ Spartans!

Scores:

Thursday 8/26 3:30PM vs. Conifer High School L 1-6

Tuesday 9/7 4:00PM @ George Washington High School

Thursday 9/9 4:00PM @ Englewood High School

Tuesday 9/14 4:00PM vs. John F. Kennedy

Thursday 9/16 4:00PM @ Abraham Lincoln High School

Thursday 9/23 4:00PM @ Denver South High School

Tuesday 9/28 4:00PM vs. Denver East High School

Thursday 9/30 4:00PM vs. Montbello High School

Friday 10/1 8:00AM vs. Spartan Tennis Invite

Monday 10/4 4:00PM @ Denver School of Sci. & Tech.

photo by Rebecca Holt

The Boys’ Tennis team had very high hopes and expectations for this year, and they showed that the young team could compete with the other powerhouse schools in DPS. A group of young players gives high hopes for the future, and a great group of departing seniors is a huge loss.

A season filled with ups and downs can only be characterized by the amount of leadership skills and pride that can be taken away at the end. The squad ended the season strong playing Bear Creek, and defeating them with ease. This filled the team with confidence and momentum heading into the post season. The varsity seniors, Scott Bruskin, Mitch Montgomery and Tom Gengler geared up for what could be their final tennis match of their high school careers. “The whole team knows what we have to do, whether you’re a sophomore, junior or senior we all have to step up and give it our best,” said Senior Tom Gengler. Every member of the team qualified, and Head Coach Joel Belmer had high hopes for a state title. “I can’t wait; this is when the team comes together and gets victories. I have faith in every single one of them.”

However, the team fell short, with not one player advancing past regionals into the next round. The pain of defeat could easily be seen on the face of each player, especially the seniors. “Though it’s over for us, this team has a bright future,” said Senior Mitch Montgomery.

The teams that participated in TJ’s regionals bracket were Colorado Academy, Arvada, Kennedy, Evergreen and Alexander Dawson. Cheyenne Mountain later went on to become 4A State Champions.