If there was any doubt about the overall dominance of the 2024 McCallie tennis teams, those questions were emphatically answered on Friday at the Adams Tennis Complex in Murfreesboro.
Two days after capturing its fifth straight TSSAA DIvision II Class AA team title in a stirring 4-3 win over Baylor, McCallie saw senior Juozas Cioladis defeat teammate Gabe Getz for the individual singles crown and the doubles team of junior Henry Imorde and sophomore Sean Clark win that individual state title with a 6-0, 6-4 win over MBA’s Martin Grier and Daniel Torre.
For Imorde, the win was especially satisfying since he had dropped the individual doubles final the last two years.
“I guess the third time really is a charm,” said Imorde afterward.
“Those guys beat me last year in the doubles final. It was nice to get revenge. Sean really did a great job of keeping my energy level up. It’s really nice to get this win.”
As for Cioladis, who’ll be playing tennis at Kenyon College next year, he said it wasn’t that hard to play his teammate and classmate Getz, who’ll be moving on to play for Middle Tennessee State University this fall.
“It wasn’t that difficult,” said Cioladis. “We’re used to playing against each other in practice. I just tried to play very consistent the first set (6-4), got a little frustrated the second (0-6), then found my rhythm again in the third (6-2). It was a perfect way to end my McCallie career.”
Said Clark of the sweep: “The whole team was such a tough, talented group of young men. A complete team that enjoyed working hard on the court and in the weight room. Just a remarkable team, really. It was an honor to coach them. I wish both Juozas and Gabe could have won, but to have both of them reach the final was pretty neat.”
For Imorde _ who practiced with the varsity as a sixth grader _ next year brings something of a role reversal for the rising senior day student.
“I’m used to being the little brother,” he said Friday. “Next year, I’ll be trying to provide leadership the way the older players always took me under their wing. I’ll become the big brother.”
Given the big wins Imorde has always provided on the court - especially providing the state championship-clinching singles victory over Baylor this year - McCallie should be in good hands as they seek their sixth straight state title next year, which would be a TSSAA record.
(Contact Mark Wiedmer at mwiedmer@mccallie.org)