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Poland’s Gardner thinking big in ’14
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Poland’s Garrett Gardner is going into the 2014 season looking to top last season when he won the Division II sectional and district tennis titles, going 27-0 before losing in the first round at state.
By KAYLA HANUSCHAK
Poland
For Poland senior Garrett Gardner, maybe the biggest question entering the 2014 season is: How can he top 2013?
Gardner won Division II sectional and district tennis titles last season, going 27-0 before losing in the first round of the state tournament.
“I thought last year I played very, very well for my junior year,” Gardner said. “I hope to continue that through my senior year and make it even better.
“Hopefully I can make a few runs down at state as well and win a few rounds.”
At last year’s state tournament, Gardner lost a three-hour match to eventual bronze medalist John Larkin, 4-6, 7-5, 6-3. It was Gardner’s second trip to Columbus, having lost in the first round of the 2011 doubles tournament with then-senior Ken Duncan.
Poland coach Annie Marian, now in her third season with the Bullodgs, expects nothing less than a state appearance this year as well.
“I think that he and I both have the same expectations for his this year,” Marian said. “I’d like to see him at the semifinals and finals for state this year. I think being his senior year, he’s got a great chance. He’s been working on his game all year. I think he’s got a great shot to do it. He definitely will place, if not get to the finals.”
Gardner’s road to state began almost two decades ago in Mill Creek Park with his mother.
“I’ve been playing tennis since I was a little kid,” Gardner said. “I started when I was about 6 or 7 years old. My mom got me started. She brought me to Mill Creek Park and she bought me my first racquet and we began from there. She taught me all the strokes, how to move my feet and all of the things that a beginner tennis player needs to know.”
Gardner also tried basketball and football, but decided tennis was his best sport.
Gardner was the 2012 sectional runner-up in singles, then defeated Warren JFK’s Jad Abdul-Aal in last year’s sectional and district finals.
“District champ last year was fantastic,” Gardner said. “Honestly, I didn’t think I was going to win the district tournament. It honestly just kind of happened.
Marian raved about Gardner’s talent and said she expects him to lead the team this year.
“Garrett is a great athlete,” Marian said. “He’s got great feet. He’s got great hands. He’s mentally very tough. So that combined makes for a very great competitor. He’s very smart as far as knowing to be patient. He knows when to try and go for the shot and he doesn’t quit. So all around Garrett is just a great player.”
Gardner thinks the Bulldogs will do well, but also thinks they might have some struggles since more inexperienced players joined the team this year.
“Compared to last year, we have a lot more kids coming out,” he said. “My No. 2 guy and I are both pretty good. I think we are going to win a lot of matches this year.”
Gardner is undecided about college, but the United States Military Academy seems to be at the top of the list along with the Air Force and Coast Guard. He is leaning toward a math major, but history is also a possibility.
“Wherever I do end up, I will probably play college tennis,” Gardner said. “I hope it can give me a very good education as well.
“I’m very excited for the season to start up. This is my last year, my last season to do something big. I hope I can make a few runs at state. And have a great senior year.”