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Poland’s Gardner places fourth at state
By Curtis Pulliam
Although he didn’t win the state title, Poland senior Garrett Gardner was happy with his effort after finishing fourth at the 2014 Division II boys tennis state tournament in Columbus on Saturday.
“The feeling is fantastic,” Gardner said. “It was a great day. I think the draw was made to where the best four kids should have placed.”
In the state semifinal match, Gardner took on the defending state champion Asher Hirsch from Cincinnati Country Day, losing 6-3, 6-1. Hirsch won the state title again this year.
“I got to play some of the best competition in Ohio,” Gardner said. “Being able to play Asher Hirsch in the state semifinal, he definitely showed me the game, what it takes to be a state champion.”
The loss dropped Gardner down to the third place match, taking on Mason Dragos from Lexington. Gardner lost to Dragos, 6-2, 7-6 (7-1).
“I think Friday I was taking control more,” Gardner said. “I think Saturday I played defense for the most part of my matches.”
Gardner also gave credit to both Hirsch and Dragos for their play.
“They stepped up and hit the ball hard,” Gardner said. “Asher is known for having a huge forehand, and he certainly does. Dragos is a strong lefty; he has a lot of top spin on his shots.”
Gardner made it to the state tournament singles tournament for a second straight year. He also made it in the doubles bracket as a freshman.
I think it was a great four years,” Gardner said. “Freshman year, making it to states for the first time, that was unbelievable.”
That first trip also helped him in school and making friends.
“I lived in Youngstown at the time then I moved to Poland,” Gardner said. “When I went to state, everyone was coming up and introducing themselves. That was really cool.”
Being done with high school tennis, Gardner has mixed emotions moving forward.
“After Saturday, it felt kind of weird but I’m very excited at the same time,” Gardner said. “Just talking to my coaches it’s like, wow, you know? It’s the last time we’ll be on the same court with each other.”
Gardner will be attending Valparaiso University in the fall and will be playing tennis for the Crusaders.
“I’m really excited to play college tennis,” Gardner said. “I think my game is going to increase ten-fold and I think I’m going to play really well next year. Every match is going to be great.”