We teach our kids, “You can either focus on the heat or you can focus on your opponent.” It was so hot out on the court today, but not one of our kids even mentioned the heat. They were totally focused on the goal before them as they began the day looking to be crowned the 2019 12U JTT State Champion.
The BCCTA Barracudas played two matches on Monday taking on the top two Tulsa teams: The LaFortune Tennis Center and Indian Springs Country Club. The kids played outstanding tennis all day long putting themselves in great position going into the final day, and the final match against Oak Tree Country Club. When the numbers were tallied at the end of the match the BCCTA Barracudas had earned the title of 12U Junior Team Tennis State Champion! In addition to winning the State Championship, Taytum Jones, was named the male recipient of the “Sportsmanship Award” for the competition. Congratulations Taytum!
We are so proud of this group of kids. It was mentioned yesterday that the 10U Cheetahs have a lot of new players this year. That is because the 10U Cheetahs from last year, who won the JTT State Championship last summer in Tulsa, moved up into the 12U Division, even though four of our players could still be playing for the 10U Cheetahs. At the beginning of the season, the 2018 Cheetahs decided they wanted to stay together as a team, challenge themselves, and move up a division. They had no idea if they could compete with the other players and teams in the 12U Division, but they wanted to try it out. Their hard work and commitment have paid off! Congratulations to John Paul and Gray Dillon, Javier Vasquez, Kellen and Macy Hays, Taytum Jones, Kadence Williams, and Alma Mendoza. Congratulations once again to our amazing coaches who have inspired and challenged our kids the past two days: Jessica Reineke, Brad Lund, and Rob Braver.
The 12U Barracudas, by winning the Oklahoma State Championship, will now move on to the Missouri Valley Championship next Tuesday and Wednesday in Tulsa, at The LaFortune Park Tennis Center. The Missouri Valley Section is made of Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Heart of America (Kansas City region), and St. Louis. The BCCTA Barracudas will compete against the very best teams from each of these regions. Good luck to our kids and coaches!! Love God. Make Friends. Play Tennis!
2019 JTT State Champions!