Monthly Archives

March 2021

Mar 27
1

Tennis—Quick Season Updates

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Hi Washburn Tennis Family!
We’re excited to be so close to starting the season!  Weather does appear to be cooperating with us for next week, although we have shifted one tryout day indoors (TeamSnap updated).
—The schedule is basically final in TeamSnap—the Mound Westonka match location may shift to away. Please read the notes sections carefully for each match, particularly when you need to drive to an away match. I have tried to estimate drive times to each away location and added those to the notes. Aim to be at matches 45 minutes prior to start time, unless the coaches advise differently. All distances/drive times calculated from Washburn.
Because weather can be very unpredictable, please set TeamSnap alerts and check the schedule frequently for last-minute cancellations or changes.
—Early Release: If it is a school day, students will get an early release 15 minutes prior to you needing to depart. For Washburn students: we will provide the early release information to the Athletic Director’s office. For middle school students: Parents, please check with your school as to how they would like you to alert them of early release. It varies by school. There is no early release for team practice, only matches.
—Below is a link to Washburn’s Spring Sport COVID-19 guidance. Within it is a link to tennis-specific guidance from the MSHSL.  Our understanding is spectators are allowed at matches, but need to remain outside the fence (no bleacher seating). Please plan according…bring chairs/blankets, whatever you prefer to cheer on your Miller. We will let you know if this changes.
Mar 24
0

Tryouts start next week!

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Tennis fam,

Two long years have passed since the last time we’ve gotten together and needless to say, I am really excited to begin the 2021 season! I know the captains (Luke, Luca, Henry) are excited to get started as well. A lot to cover in this message so please read it closely:

Tryouts start next Monday and will go from 2-6pm at Kenwood courts. We will split into two groups so the coaches can evaluate you closely. ON WEDNESDAY TRYOUTS WILL BE AT INNERCITY TENNIS (ICT) FROM 4-6 PM (CHECK EMAIL/TEAMSNAP FOR DETAILS).

Please be early.
Please bring water and a snack. **There will be no water at the courts
Please wear a MASK until you are on the actual tennis court (this will be monitored and strictly adhered to).
Please bring a tennis racket and wear athletic clothing. **We have extra rackets if you need one
These players will need to be there from 2-430pm on Monday
L. Little
H. Bastian
L. Cordova Stuart
O. Prentice
O. Hemer
T. Grimes
C. Graff
B. Fitzgerald
A. Graff
N. Anderson
L. Smith
B. Merims Johnson
*I chose those individuals based off my familiarity with them as players. *Upperclassmen status was considered as well.
Everyone else please arrive at 4pm and plan on staying until at least 6pm.
We will have team introductions at 4pm when we have the 30 minutes of overlapping time together. We will wear masks at that time.
Uniform shirts will be handed out on Monday. Thank you Beth Gyllstrom and Washburn Foundation for providing monies to cover these. You will get to keep these.
Once tryouts are over we will hand out varsity and junior varsity shorts as well. They will need to be worn every match.
**New this year
We have 24 kids signed up for tennis. In the past we have had double that. We will have only ONE Jv team this year and coaches Tim and Varo will be co-head coaches. If the numbers stay that low expect to have about  12 make varsity and the remaining players will be on Jv. No one will be cut!
FAQ
What if it is raining/snowing/wet on Monday?
We will still show up to the courts and check in with the coach. We will shorten the practice time and condition.
Is it too late to sign up for tennis?
No! Tell your friends! We only have a handful of new players on the team and only one seventh grader—I’m hopeful that changes.
What if I’m not feeling well for tryouts—will missing a day eliminate my chances of making varsity?
NO! Please stay home until you feel better. There will be movement throughout the year and opportunities to move up.
Will there be anything tennis related during spring break?
Yes. The coaches haven’t decided when or what because we don’t know how many will take us up on that. We will have some sort of optional hitting, match play, private lessons available for those who stay in town.
Where do we find our schedule?
TeamSnap has our complete schedule. We will be amending one match date or time (Mpls South) because it overlaps another but other than that, barring cancellations, the schedule is set.
If I’m supposed to be at practice from 4-6 Monday, should I assume that’ll be the same for me the rest of the week?
No! There will be a lot of movement after day one and I will send an email that evening detailing who needs to be where/when. Since it’s been a long time since I’ve seen you play (and some never at all) I need to evaluate you to determine if you’re ready for varsity consideration or not.
Who should I tell if I have a conflict with a practice or match?
Please tell me if it’s during tryouts and your respective head coach once teams have been decided.
Last but not least, please please please get out and play some matches/sets this week. The majority of tryouts will be a match play format so we can begin to assemble a lineup. Varsity has a tournament the Monday after spring break so I will have four days next week to figure that out. Come ready to compete!
Thanks all! Cheers to a great season.
Coach Hoag
Mar 04
0

Spring Sports Registration Night is March 15th

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Spring sports registration night is Monday, March 15th, 5:00-7:00 p.m. This is a form drop-off event in the main gym, but unfortunately it won’t be like previous years where you go to a sport-specific table and get to talk with coaches. Please check your email for further details on Spring Sports Registration Night and making sure you are eligible to play when the season starts.