Tribune Feature Article on MMHS Tennis! (Note that we are 8 wins 0 Losses in 4A play)

Maple Mountain tennis has clear goals


Notes » The new school has a foundation to build.

By Brenda Fisher
Special To The Tribune

Updated: 04/14/2010 11:54:37 AM MDT
Sophomore Chris Wiscombe sums up the attitude of a first-year men's tennis team at first-year school Maple Mountain.
"Our team is good, but very young," Wiscombe said. "Our players are smart. When we get a little older and more experienced -- watch out."
Coach Paul Whiting knows the chances of a school winning a state title in its first year are a long shot, but Whiting said that this year, his team has a larger purpose.
"We have a function and an objective on our team and they are different. The function of our team is to turn boys into men and the objective is to win," Whiting said. "It's OK if we don't win as long as the function is met -- that's what's most important to us. If we have both, we will win."

The Golden Eagles have a 3-0 record and they are counting on that to help them proceed through the rest of region play. But there is stiff competition ahead of them from tennis juggernaut Timpview and Whiting said although his boys are capable of taking their eighth consecutive 4A title, most of their players don't have the experience on the court to be a real threat.
Wiscombe is the No. 1 singles player for Maple Mountain and is one of their best chances for state placement. Wiscombe and his two-handled racket went 6-3, 6-1 against Payson. His talent on the court is one reason his team is doing well and Whiting hopes that Wiscombe can peak at the right time at the state tournament.
Wiscombe said that his goal as he steps onto the court is to have a better mental game than his opponent. If he can do that, he usually wins.
Wiscombe said he's looking forward to testing that theory against Timpview's John Pierce. He hasn't played a match against him this season yet, but Wiscombe said he is feeling confident.
One surprising player for the Golden Eagles has been senior Jake Guymon, who didn't make the top seven in tryouts and was put on the JV team. During a tournament in St. George, Guymon stepped in for an injured Nick Taylor, who sprained his ankle, and has been undefeated since, winning the last five matches in a row.

"Jake has been a nice surprise for us," Whiting said. "In the last eight matches he's only dropped one set to Payson. He's one of the most vocal supporters of our team and we wouldn't be where we are with out him."
The state tournament is several weeks away and for now, the Golden Eagles are focusing on what's important -- the match they are playing next. They will face Spanish Fork today. Wiscombe said he's excited to test his skills against the Dons' Trevor West.
"I'm going to focus on winning, go in mentally strong and play consistent," Wiscombe said. "That's all I can do."