A perfect end to an amazing season!
On a beautiful afternoon, the boys traveled to Southborough to play St. Mark's. These athletes put on an inspiring afternoon of tennis, winning every set played, both in doubles and singles.
Each player on the team contributed in a very special way. Captain Will Vrattos prepared some moving words for the team huddle, drawing on the poem "Ulysses" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson (who, Will noted, had "tennis" in his very name.) Captain Larry Li was true to his generous and loving approach to the game, making room for others to play doubles in his stead, yet ready himself with a resounding victory in singles. Captain Jack Lionette was sharp both in doubles and singles, and his fifty-eight-second match point, the final one of his Groton School career, was typical of the grit and athleticism he always has shown on the courts. Other Sixth Formers also had the chance to step up big time today into the starting line-up: Alec Konigsberg and Lucas Li won handily in doubles, and Alec had a brilliant singles win. Lucas hit one of the most beautiful backhand volleys of the season, and Alec's tenacity and courageous confidence made the difference for him. Meanwhile, Trip Wight, Griffin Gura, and Michael Lu were spectacular, winning their singles and doubles matches in convincing fashion.
Señor Conner reflected on the season: "Once again, there are few words that can adequately describe what these boys have accomplished this spring. Dual match record: 16-1. Champions, Kingswood-Oxford Tournament. #1 seed, New England Class "A" Championships. 2nd place in that tournament. These Sixth Formers lived through one pandemic-cancelled season, one shortened season, yet during the last three years, they were able to play forty-two dual matches. They won forty-one of these contests, losing just one. Seven of the victories were against Exeter, Andover and Deerfield. They won one league championship. And for two consecutive years, the boys were ranked the #1 team in New England, losing barely in the end-of-season Class "A" championships.
These boys and this team will go down in history as one of the most competitive, passionate and talented teams to compete for Groton School. They loved each other, loved the game, and inspired each other to greatness. I will never forget this group."
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Each player on the team contributed in a very special way. Captain Will Vrattos prepared some moving words for the team huddle, drawing on the poem "Ulysses" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson (who, Will noted, had "tennis" in his very name.) Captain Larry Li was true to his generous and loving approach to the game, making room for others to play doubles in his stead, yet ready himself with a resounding victory in singles. Captain Jack Lionette was sharp both in doubles and singles, and his fifty-eight-second match point, the final one of his Groton School career, was typical of the grit and athleticism he always has shown on the courts. Other Sixth Formers also had the chance to step up big time today into the starting line-up: Alec Konigsberg and Lucas Li won handily in doubles, and Alec had a brilliant singles win. Lucas hit one of the most beautiful backhand volleys of the season, and Alec's tenacity and courageous confidence made the difference for him. Meanwhile, Trip Wight, Griffin Gura, and Michael Lu were spectacular, winning their singles and doubles matches in convincing fashion.
Señor Conner reflected on the season: "Once again, there are few words that can adequately describe what these boys have accomplished this spring. Dual match record: 16-1. Champions, Kingswood-Oxford Tournament. #1 seed, New England Class "A" Championships. 2nd place in that tournament. These Sixth Formers lived through one pandemic-cancelled season, one shortened season, yet during the last three years, they were able to play forty-two dual matches. They won forty-one of these contests, losing just one. Seven of the victories were against Exeter, Andover and Deerfield. They won one league championship. And for two consecutive years, the boys were ranked the #1 team in New England, losing barely in the end-of-season Class "A" championships.
These boys and this team will go down in history as one of the most competitive, passionate and talented teams to compete for Groton School. They loved each other, loved the game, and inspired each other to greatness. I will never forget this group."
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