WOODBURY — As flowers begin to blossom on the fields of Nonnewaug High School, spring sports are officially underway. The smell of fresh-cut grass and the warm sun bring out the best in people this time of year, especially those on the NHS tennis teams. The unmistakable sound of the woosh of a tennis racket smashing balls into the pavement tell us that Nonnewaug tennis has begun.

Coming off of a Berkshire League championship in 2021, the expectations remain sky high for the boys tennis team, and they have all the momentum going into the season. A repeat BL championship and a possible title run at the state level are realistic goals for this 2022 boys tennis team. 

“Our main goal this year is to win the BL championship,” said junior Zack Hellwinkle. “We practice every day with this in mind. It motivates us to become better every day.”

Hard work and dedication have rallied behind the talent of this year’s boys tennis team, highlighting their 4-1 record to date. It’s important for this team to keep practicing together and continuing to work hard this season in their quest for yet another BL title. 

This accolade can be achieved through the leadership of Luke Cenatiempo (No. 1 singles), and the team of Jeff Stein and Kyle Viveros (No. 1 doubles). 

“We have been preparing for high level competition all season long,” said Hellwinkle. “We believe that our team can beat anyone in the league if we continue to work hard.”

Some of the student-athletes at Nonnewaug have waited a long time for this opportunity. A BL title would mean the start of a new legacy in Nonnewaug sports. This team hopes to make state headlines and write their names in the history books of Nonnewaug. 

“A BL title would mean a lot for the team and a lot for some of the players,” said first-year junior tennis player Trey Medonis. “This is what we’re practicing for every day, so it would be amazing if all our hard work pays off.”

This year’s group appears completely committed to their program, and takes pride in their work. It’s time to paint the gym walls with a couple of BL titles in 2022.