Travis Hastings: enthusiasm, excitement, and expectations Bruce Grigsby Newly named as Montrose High School boys tennis coach, Travis Hastings met recently with prospects for next fall’s tennis team and outlined his expectations for the program. In laying out his plans for off-season and summer preparation for the upcoming season, he made it clear that he will be expecting strong commitments from his players both on and off the tennis court. The voluntary summer program for high school tennis players will include competitive opportunities to play in the Montrose Tennis Association men’s single league. In a letter to potential players and their parents, Hastings wrote that the summer competition will give players the chance “to continue their mental edge, and physical growth on the court as we move into the tennis season in the fall.” Hastings, who is the worship pastor at the Grace Community Church, played his collegiate tennis at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kan., where he also served as assistant coach after graduating. A walk-on who had not competed in organized tennis before college, he managed to rise to the level of conference champion. He clearly brings a large amount of enthusiasm and high expectation to his new role as tennis coach at MHS. In his meeting with prospective players, he announced, “We’re going to win. You need to make that part of our expectation.” His focus, he told players will be to “play smart; we’ll emphasize conditioning. It’s easier to play smart when you’re in condition.” He also added as a point of emphasis, “Our grades are going to be good, and our conduct (on and off the court) is going to be good as well.”
|