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07/10/2013 12:00 AMHand's Alex Rieger decided to make an athletic commitment toward tennis his freshman year and this spring the junior showcased why he chose the right path.
While the No. 2 singles player and co-captain was a part of an historic Tigers' team that captured its inaugural SCC title and share of its first state crown since 1981, on a personal level Alex notched his most impressive run thus far in his court career. Alex was the Tigers' lone representative at the State Open after being a Class L quarterfinalist and additionally took home All-SCC Division I accolades following a perfect regular season solo mark of 15-0.
"Going undefeated in the regular season became a big goal of mine towards the end, especially with big matches versus Fairfield Prep and Amity," says Alex, who finished 22-2 overall on his path to New Haven Register All-Area honors. "The past couple of seasons, I've had a few losses each year so it felt really nice to achieve that goal this time."
Even after the his Tigers' campaign ended with sharing the state's top spot alongside Fairfield Warde, Alex's ride continued right into the 16-player State Open bracket, where he fell to eventual champion Bradley Orban of Foran (6-3, 6-2) in the opening round. Although Alex's stay was quick, he saw it as one of the greatest honors within CIAC competition.
"Getting the chance to play in the State Open was a really good opportunity," Alex says. "It's a chance for you to compete among the best players in the state and see how you can fare."
In addition to Alex's lone accomplishments, he certainly had a season to remember as a captain, including the thrilling 4-3 SCC title comeback victory over Amity at Yale, a match that saw Hand rally from being down 3-1 with a trio of three-set triumphs to take the top distinction from the Spartans.
"It was so exciting to win it, especially considering we were down early on," says Alex, who won his matchup that day 6-0, 6-4 over Phil Hochman. "Down 3-1, we were beginning to get nervous, but our doubles teams really stepped it up. To cap off an SCC season like that was unbelievable. Being a captain and helping out the younger players was a big honor. Cheering was a big thing on our team this year and I just tried to pump the guys up."
Hand boys' tennis Coach Dawn Fagerquist viewed Alex as a clear-cut choice for a captain nod this year and also next spring. She sees him as a true template to follow given his mental and physical growth between the baselines.
"He is a leader to his teammates," says Fagerquist. "The boys look up to him. He's quiet until you put him on the court. He lets his racquet do the talking. He has grown as a player and he has matured as a person through the three years since I've been coach."
Alex says that he does stay calm, cool, and collected when it's his time to shine, but knows that one must harbor a certain fire to ascend the ranks in the taxing sport of tennis. Win, lose, or draw, Alex maintains the perfect balance of demeanors.
"At the beginning of high school tennis, I didn't talk as much, but I grew into a good teammate," says Alex. "On the court, I have gained a bigger understanding of the mental aspect of the game over the years. Tennis is a gentleman's game so I just keep to myself out there and try not to be angry after a loss, yet I feel competitiveness is one of the top attributes for the game. You have teammates in high school to pump you up and you still need to do it yourself when you get to the solo tournaments."
Now approaching his second run as captain next spring, Alex feels he will be immune to pressure as a senior. Looking back on an unforgettable spring season, Alex can only hope for the same and more as the best sendoff to his stay at Hand.
"This season was awesome," says Alex, who thanks Coach Fagerquist and his entire team. "I didn't know how great this year would be in the beginning, but I was speechless at the end of it. Next season, we have some good freshmen coming in and our goals are to repeat as SCC champs and win states outright."