Adams Extends Family Legacy On Boys’ Tennis Team

March 29, 2010 by Greg Lederer

Freshman Bryan Adams is no newcomer to the Cheshire High School boys’ tennis program. His older brother, Sean, played number one singles for the last two years and graduated last spring. In a legacy of sorts, Bryan has followed his brother’s footsteps at the top of the lineup.
“It’s going to be fun. I’ve always gone to the matches,” reflected Adams. “He told me to just have fun. Results will come as they come.”
A lot of freshman look upward at older and experienced competition. But, Adams is a unique talent. He showed rapid development at a young age, winning United States Tennis Association (USTA) matches and tournaments abroad.
“It‘s awesome because I‘ve never been on a team before,” said Adams. “My favorite part is it (tennis) is individual. It is great to see what you are made of.”
“The kids love him,” added Cheshire Head Coach Jim Matthews. “He is down to earth.”
Matthews has spoken to Adams about not putting too much pressure on himself.
“I don’t want him thinking he has to carry the team. Whether he wins or loses, it’s just one point,” explained Matthews. “I think he understands where he is. There are a lot of expectations. I will make performance goals instead of simply winning and losing. That way, he is working to get better. He seems positive about it.”
The 2010 Rams are younger in terms of starting fulltime. Seven boys graduated from a 13-7 record, six of which started. Fortunately, depth has become a strength. While there are a limited number of spots, many players see time each season.
“We have 11 or 12 guys fighting for nine spots,” added Matthews. “This team might have more depth than last year.”
Senior captains Spencer Beck, Brian Choquette, and Ryan Niland, along with juniors Dan Grove and Brendan Pier, are returning starters. However, players are pushed to hold onto positions.
“It’s pretty important,” said Choquette, of competition. “It makes people work harder to play.”
Matthews finds it tough sometimes to make the lineup, so he feels fortunate when players sacrifice individual glory. Choquette and Niland came together for the first time at number one doubles last year. After earning All-Housatonic Division, they asked to stay together for their senior seasons.
“I think we are ready. We are excited about it,” Choquette stated.
Choquette cracked the lineup during his sophomore season, when he received All-Housatonic alongside 2008 graduate Jason Hague. Two years later, Choquette and Niland have developed chemistry. Steve Radigan, the Farms Country Club tennis professional and close friend of Matthews, works with many players during the off-season.
“He is an accomplished player and pro. He deserves a lot of the credit,” Matthews explained. “I told them (Choquette, Niland) that it would take two years to get everything he could teach them. Their volleys went from being adequate into a strength. They serve much better now.”
Choquette and Niland advanced to the 2009 Class LL third round.
“I think we know where each other are going to be,” added Niland.
Senior Vaughn Guetens and junior Nate Trumbo have also improved significantly at number two doubles.
“They went to 7-6 with Brian and Ryan the other day,” said Matthews. “If they can be consistent there, we will be really strong.”
Competition is playing out in singles, too. Adams, Greg Mahar, and Steve Carlette graduated from the top three spots. Mahar and Adams played doubles for the Class LL tournament, in which they finished runner-up to Fairfield Prep’s Jason Ottomano and Tom O’Brien. As finalists, Adams and Mahar became All-State for the first time. Carlette and fellow graduate Dave Simon captained the team alongside them.
According to Matthews, Adams and Beck have solidified the top two spots so far. Beck and Pier became starters at the fourth and fifth spots, respectively, last season.
“Spencer is the clear number two. He is a confident kid and I think that is from reaching the semi (semifinal) at tournaments,” added Matthews. “A big key is having kids play in USTA tournaments.”
Grove, junior Nithan Kumar, and sophomore Tyler Hajjar are challenging for the third to fifth positions. Pier shared Most Improved Player with Niland. Grove has started in each of his first two seasons in singles and doubles.
“It’s a dogfight right now,” described Matthews. “He (Kumar) came back from Choate (Rosemary Hall) late in the season last year and then worked all winter with Steve Radigan. Nithan could be a big key because he can start in singles or doubles.”
Hajjar, who saw doubles action with classmate Brad Mahar, has made strides from practicing in the fall and winter.
“He has gone from being inconsistent to keeping the ball in play,” said Matthews. “He is thinking about his shots instead of just hitting tennis balls. I may look at Tyler in doubles.”
Depth will be key, when traveling to Glastonbury (April 9) and William Hall (May 19), at 4 p.m. Both rivals play four singles matches and three of doubles, instead of the traditional five and two format in boys‘ tennis. Senior Rob Runowicz and junior Ryan Tartaglia saw time in singles and doubles last season. Matthews likes the potential of Mahar, sophomore Tanner Barros, and freshman Casey Barry. Senior Mackenzie Demac will miss the season due to shoulder surgery, but plans to contribute as manager.
“We have a lot of guys that can play singles and doubles,” explained Niland.
“I would like to see guys challenge more. When there is competition, it makes you work harder,” stated Matthews.
The Housatonic Division title is another motivating factor. Cheshire and Amity have combined to sweep the 14 championships. The Rams won eight of the first nine titles, including five straight undefeated seasons. Amity swept both meetings last year to win their sixth straight championship, sharing the title with Cheshire in 2006.
“Our big goal is to win the Housy and do well at states,” said Choquette.
Sheehan (April 14 and 30), Shelton (April 16 and 26), and Lyman Hall (April 21, May 6) are also Housatonic rivals. Cheshire kicks off the spring season by visiting Branford (April 7, May 18), Glastonbury, and Jonathan Law (April 12, May 17). The Rams look to rebound from a pair of 4-3 losses to Notre Dame (April 19, May 5) last season.
Cheshire reached the 2009 SCC semifinals, before falling (7-0) to defending champion Fairfield Prep. The Rams placed fifth (12 points) in Class LL.
“I think it’s good preparation for the states,” added Matthews, of the SCC tournament.