Prep boys tennis preview: Meadowdale's Ekern looking to defend district singles title

mavs-logoBy David Pan/Lynnwood Today editor

Meadowdale’s Nick Ekern definitely will have a target on his back this season.

Winning the 3A District 1 singles title tends to draw people’s attention.

The senior standout comes into the 2013 ready to defend his title, according to Meadowdale coach Warren Bailey.

Ekern has all the qualities of a champion.

“He’s aggressive and he’s confident,” Bailey said. “He doesn’t get down on himself.”

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Meadowdale’s Nick Ekern is the defending district singles champion. Here he is seen in a 2012 match. (photo by Char Blankenship)

If Ekern makes a mistake, he doesn’t dwell on it. He simply moves on to the next point, Bailey noted.

Ekern’s work ethic definitely was a reason for last year’s success and it’s continuing this season.

“He puts in a lot of time before and after practices,” Bailey said.

Both Ekern’s mental and physical games have improved.

“He’s become more confident with more difficult shots,” Bailey said.

Also returning for the Mavericks is No. 2 singles player Bret Matysik. Meadowdale also has two experienced doubles teams in Bennett Holton/Justin Ridley and Quint Turner/Mark Steinke.

“Right now we’re stacked in singles and doubles,” Bailey said. “We have a lot of seniors. A lot of the kids played in the offseason. … They take it seriously.”

 

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