Paris returns from injury to lead boys’ tennis team
Senior Andrew Canlas hits the ball against East Union.
April 30, 2014
After missing a month due to a shoulder injury, the top singles player, senior Derek Paris has returned and looks to end the Bulldogs tennis season on a high note.
Dislocating his shoulder in a long-boarding accident, Paris has had some struggles staying healthy.
“Initially when I injured it, I was out a week,” Paris said. “I tried to return and reinjured it, putting me out a month. Even after returning from that, I then reinjured it again and was out another two weeks.”
Paris has noticed that he has played tentatively since his injury.
“I have been trying to balance playing and not getting reinjured,” Paris said. “I have had difficulties serving because my shoulder will occasionally dislocate.”
Despite missing a lot of matches, Paris has turned his injury into a positive.
“This injury has gave me a chance as a captain to really get to know the whole team,” Paris said. “Coming back, I was not immediately able to play with the older guys, so I got a chance to hit with the freshman and really get to bond with the team.”
Paris did not compete in the singles league tournament; however, he plans on competing in the doubles league tournament with teammate senior Andrew Canlas.
Canlas filled in for Paris as the top singles player while Paris was out.
“Andrew Canlas performed well while filling in for Derek Paris at the number one spot,” Coach Patrick O’Brian said.
The Bulldogs finished third in the San Joaquin Athletic Association behind Lincoln and Lodi with a record of 6-4. However, winning was not the main goal for this team.
“Our goal every year is for the boys to improve their tennis skills and have fun while they are doing it,” O’Brian said. “To that extent we have reached out goal.”
One player who has impressed O’Brian and teammates with his improvement is sophomore Josh Boehm. Boehm played in the sixth singles spot as a freshman worked hard in the offseason to earn the third singles player this season.
“In the offseason, I took lessons and attended clinics at In-Shape to improve my game,” Boehm said.
Boehm finished second in the consolation bracket in the league tournament on April 25.
“I felt pretty good, but next year I want to do better and, hopefully, place in the winner’s bracket,” Boehm said.
The Bulldogs will compete in the league doubles final on May 1.