By Christopher Young-Stone, Staff Writer
Friday (April 16) brings local rival Manteo to FFHS to face the men’s tennis team at 4 p.m. in the final home match of the spring. The Nighthawks are nearing the end of this short season, traveling to Currituck next Thursday for the final regular-season match before the NEC Tournament and state playoffs begin later this month.
Last year’s season was cut short after one match due to COVID-19. Fortunately, interest in the sport has continued to grow. There are currently 16 players participating, with the top eight traveling to away matches.
This year’s top players include freshman James (JJ) Woerner, the No. 1 seed, senior Max Stabley at No. 2, sophomore Christopher Young-Stone at No. 3, senior Ethan Haske at No. 4, sophomore Dylan Johnson at No. 5 and sophomore Logan Thiessen at No. 6. Freshmen Bert Waddington and Cam Summerton have made an impressive showing as doubles partners.
“We have a young, enthusiastic team,” coach Tony Willingham said. “Our goal this year is to stay healthy, have fun and win matches.”
This is Willingham’s second year coaching for FFHS. He also coaches tennis at Old Dominion University.
After the conference tournament at Currituck on April 26, the winner will send its top two singles players and doubles teams to the NCHSAA playoffs.
“I hope to be able to go to states, because last year our season was canceled,” Stabley said. “I want to redeem my junior year.”
Stabley is making a strong showing on the court and is glad to be joined this year by Haske.
Johnson, who has been playing tennis for years, also hopes to continue competing for the Nighthawks deep into May: “I enjoy playing tennis and want to make it to states.”
Prior to attending FFHS, Johnson, Stabley, Woerner and Young-Stone played Junior Team Tennis for the Outer Banks Tennis Association with Willingham.
“It feels pretty good to be ranked No. 1 on the team because I have been working hard on my game for so long,” Woerner said.
Sophomore Christopher Young-Stone can be reached at 23youngstoneme42@daretolearn.org.
