Sports
Cary Boys Tennis Starts New Season
Federighi leads Trojans into 2011 campaign looking for his fourth state appearance
Chris Federighi is getting used to playing in the state tournament, going as a doubles player his freshman year and a singles player the last two seasons with last season being his best finish, losing in the sixth round of the consolation bracket.
Federighi will be counted on to lead again this season as the 2011 campaign gets underway on Thursday at Jacobs in Fox Valley Conference play.
Federighi said that the experience from last season especially will help him become better as this season begins.
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“I think the couple close matches I had, kind of getting to the brink of the next level. My third round match I lost but I think it was 6-4, 6-4 so that was really close for me,” Federighi said. “Knowing that, helps me realize how close I was to breaking into that next level.”
The Trojans' return 10 of their 11 players from last season and coach Amanda Schuetzle said that it is a very veteran team.
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“I think experience is going to be key for us,” Schuetzle said. “We’re hoping with some seniors gone and the improvement in his game that we will be able to further that this year (top 17 in state). I’m hoping that our doubles will pull through for us this year, we are going to need to depend on them to get some match points for us and hope we can get one or two of them to state.”
Schuetzle added that Federighi makes his teammates better with his ability on the court.
“It’s great because he adds motivation to the rest of the kids, they can see what true competition is out there playing,” Schuetzle said. “He is a good role model for the guys and he’s a leader too. It gets them to step up their game.”
Federighi added that he is just someone who just enjoys being out with his teammates on the court and teaching the game.
“My favorite part is hitting with the kids and helping them learn strategy. I think that‘s my favorite part,” Federighi said. “There is not a whole lot else for me to do because unlike other team sports, it’s not exactly team. I like hitting with everyone and putting my input in on what they have.”
Cary finished eighth in the FVC last year and Schuetzle said she thinks the Trojans' can improve a couple of spots if the team plays to their potential this season.
