It’s a testament to how stacked Haddonfield Memorial High School Boys’ Varsity Tennis Head Coach Jeff Holman thought his roster was for this season. While talking about his team’s most recent South Jersey Group II championship victory over Middle Township for its 10th sectional championship in a row, he almost sounded disappointed.
Why?
Because he said the team’s goal was to repeat for the second year in a row as Group II State Champions.
“Our goals included winning the state group two title. We had some very good freshman added to the lineup this year,” Holman said. “We knew, on paper, that we were going to be very strong this year. One obstacle we faced this year that was not in the picture was a team in Holmdel that moved down to Group II from Group III this season.”
Almost prophetically, after dominating South Jersey, the Bulldogs found themselves in the state championship against Holmdel and fell to the North Jersey squad by a score of 3–2. It came down to the final match, but Haddonfield’s Taylor Duffy fell in a tiebreaker in the third set to Holmdel’s Derek Liu.
The Bulldogs finished the 2012 season with a record of 31–2.
“Certainly, we have a very bright future in that we have three freshman that played substantial roles for us this year. Unfortunately, one may be leaving Haddonfield, Taylor Duffy, because his family might be moving to Florida or California. Their status is up in the air,” Holman said. “We have two other freshmen we’re expecting big things out of — and two sophomores that were a big part of the team.”
It will be challenging though, Holman said, as several senior captains will be graduating at the end of the school year.
Seniors Luke Grabiak, Sean Campbell and Matt Godlewski all achieved their 100th career victory this season, Holman said, and it will be tough to replace them.
Campbell and Godlewski were the squad’s first-doubles team, and Grabiak jumped between third and second singles throughout the season.
But returning athletes such as Duffy, Max Oberholtzer — first singles — and Mike Alberto — second singles — should keep the roster extremely competitive in the Colonial Conference and state level, Holman said.
Despite having the most tennis victories as a tennis coach in the entire nation, Holman deflected praise for the continued success of the boys’ and girls’ high school tennis program.
“A big part of our success is just the kids working and playing in a town like Haddonfield. All of the student athletes are motivated to become the best they can be. That’s why you see all of the teams being so successful. Also, having access to the Haddonfield Club and the Green Valley Tennis club, kids can easily bike or walk there to get experience, and go to indoors in the winter,” he said. “Most of their parents play too, and they encourage and play with the kids. There’s a lot of encouragement there.”
