Lucky 7’s; Southwestern’s Girls Varsity Tennis program extends massive win-streak to 77

Five years ago, early in the 2010-2011 season, the Southwestern Trojan’s Girls varsity tennis team came up short in a non-league match. Fast-forward five years later, and it’s safe to say not too many people are thinking of that; and for good reason – the team hasn’t lost a match since.

Fresh off a win on Monday evening at Chautauqua Lake, with a massive 77 game win streak under their belts, the program currently sits atop the record books in Western New York, holding the active record for the longest consecutive win-streak in high school tennis.

“We’ve been lucky enough to win these (77) matches,” said Rod Beckerink, seasoned coach for both the girl’s and boy’s tennis teams at Southwestern, as he reflected on their recent success. “Historically, Southwestern has had some strong tennis teams dating back to the 70s,” said Beckerink. “The coach before me (Anne Smith) created the tradition; she had over 600 wins total for boys and girls... It’s just sort of been a great program.”

At this point, great is to be considered an understatement. Over the course of five years, the Southwestern Trojan’s girls varisty tennis team has dismantled any opponent that has been put before them. Dominance this area has never seen before in the sport of tennis. Above all else, Beckerink attributes their success to their depth.

“We’ve been lucky to have good depth, said Beckerink. There have been a Lot of schools with good players over the years…the 1 thing that helps sw is we always had good depth. If we lose a first singled match or wherever we are usually gonna pull it out just cuz of our depth. We can put 10 girls on the tennis court who have had some experience and that helps.

Although having talented players is a luxary, behind Every great program is a great leader. A history teacher by trade, bickerink has done an exceptional job of fulfilling that role for the trojans.

“ive been coaching for 13 years, said bickerinkg. When I came to southwestern, anne asked me if I wanted to do some summer camps at st Bonaventure. I Did that for 4-5 summers. When she retired, whether she had me in mind of taking over or not I don’t know, I feell intothat and I welcomed that. I looked at that as an opportunity to work with kids outside of the classroom ina sport I loved.

Not sure how man years I have left. A couple.

Theres been al ot of support weve always had great support form parents and familiys and support from the yi don’t think wed be as successful witout the ys programs. I think that’s the biggest thing support from parents regardless of what I do the parents are there ud be surprised the umber of parnts that show up tour tennis matches.

Southwestern takes on maple grove on Wednesday and Fredonia on Friday. Both matches should be pretty good. Fredonia gave them the closest match southwestern beat Fredonia 3-2 at home. Oing p there is going to be touch.