ROCKFORD ATHLETICS I HOME OF THE RAMS

For the third straight weekend, the Rockford boys varsity tennis team had to wait out rain delays before getting their chance to compete. But when the clouds finally cleared, the Rams found themselves in the middle of one of the most competitive and high-level events of the season, a triple dual featuring four teams ranked inside the top 10 of their divisions: Rockford (#9 in Division 1), Midland Dow (#2 in Division 2), Portage Central (#6 in Division 2), and Forest Hills Central (#8 in Division 2). Once play began, the atmosphere was electric. It felt like college game day on the courts, with spirited matches, loud crowds, and razor-thin margins. For players and fans alike, it was a showcase of just how competitive high school tennis can be. “These are the kinds of days you need if you want to win championships,” said Head Coach Tom Huizing. “Three matches in a day, seven to nine hours on court, that’s physically and mentally exhausting. But the best players and best teams find a way.” And that’s exactly what the Rams did, finishing the day with a hard-earned 2-1 record. Their lone loss came to powerhouse Midland Dow, 2-7, but the score doesn’t reflect the drama. Six of the nine matches went to third-set tiebreaks, showing just how close the battle really was. The second match of the day brought redemption. Against Portage Central, Rockford secured a thrilling 5-4 victory, winning all four doubles flights along with a key win at No. 3 singles to clinch the five points needed. By the time the Rams took on Forest Hills Central, fatigue had set in for everyone. It became a test of grit as much as skill, but Rockford dug deep and powered through to an 8-1 victory to close out the day. Individual Results for the Rams: 1S – Eli Johnson: 1-2 2S – Easton Wurm: 1-2 3S – Alex Moore: 2-1 4S – Noah Clark: 0-3 1D – Quinn Geshel / Sam Martin: 3-0 2D – Joey Misiak / Jayden Fudge: 2-1 3D – Broderik Gee / Coen Beickman: 2-1 4D – Trae Storms / Carter Drolema: 3-0 5D – Liam Storms / Julian Scott: 1-2 The Rams’ doubles teams shined, going a combined 11-4 on the day, a key factor in securing the two victories. In the end, Rockford proved they could compete toe-to-toe with some of the state’s best programs. The experience of grinding out long matches, pushing through fatigue, and finding ways to win will be invaluable as the season heads toward its championship stretch.