Going into the season, Ty McCory felt obligated to lead the Seymour boys’ tennis team.
The only senior on the roster, McCory knew that he needed to step up if the team was going to bring home a sectional championship.
In his final season with the Owls, McCory delivered.
The senior went 13-7 on the season, and didn’t drop a match in the sectional. On the Owls’ home courts, he helped Seymour claim the school’s ninth crown.
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With all of his accomplishments this season, McCory has been named The Tribune’s 2017 Jackson County Boys Tennis Player of the Year.
Seymour coach Brad Emerson said that McCory, whom he coached for three seasons, has come a long way from his freshman year.
“I remember Ty’s first-ever match against Scottsburg,” he said. “He hit every shot straight up the middle of the court. He has made a lot of great strides. Playing No. 1 this season, he had to battle. To come out with a 13-7 record is quite an accomplishment. He seemed to embrace it. I can’t say enough good things about him.”
As the season unfolded, McCory did his best to make his teammates better.
“Being the only senior, I wanted to take over the leadership role,” McCory said. “I wanted to guide the younger guys and help lead the way for everyone. I did my best to do that.”
Entering the sectional with 10 wins, McCory knew it was do-or-die time.
After the Owls defeated Austin 4-1 in the first round, McCory picked up wins against both Scottsburg and Brownstown Central. The Owls beat both teams 3-2.
McCory said that the sectional finals match against Brownstown was a special win for him.
“I thought that was a really special match for us,” McCory said. “I got to go out with a bang. It’s really special. It’s something that many people get to do.”
Emerson said that McCory’s perseverance paid off.
“Other coaches would say he’s a tough opponent,” he said. “He displayed athleticism out there, and was willing to grind-out points and play smart matches. He didn’t lay down for anybody. He kept fighting, and it left an impression on a lot of people.
“We’re going to miss his athleticism and his leadership. I’m going to miss the leadership most. He wasn’t one of those kids that was extremely vocal, but he showed kids how to be tennis players. I think that’s probably the most important thing.”
After the Owls’ season came to an end, with a loss to Columbus North in the regional, McCory received a handful of accolades.
McCory was named All-Hoosier Hills Conference, All-District and Academic All-State honorable mention. Just six players made the All-HHC team, with Jeffersonville — a Final Four team — taking three of the spots.
“It’s a big honor (to make All-HHC),” McCory said. “Not many people get to make the All-Conference team, and there are a lot of good players in our conference. I’m really honored to be honored with those guys.”
This past Saturday, McCory was also invited, and played in, the Indiana Senior Boys Tennis All-Star.
“It was a good experience to see all the other great players in the state there,” McCory said. “It was kind of surreal to see all the (NCAA) DI players that will be playing next year.”
McCory said he’s considering playing college tennis, but hasn’t committed to a school at this time.
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Joining McCory on the the 2017 All-County Boys Tennis Team:
Adam Berry, Seymour, junior
Accomplishments: All-HHC honorable mention, 17 wins, Seymour Sectional Champion.
Isaac Hardin, Seymour, junior
Accomplishments: 10 wins, Seymour Sectional Champion, SHS Mental Attitude Award.
Ethan Carlin, Brownstown Central, junior
Accomplishments: 13 wins, All-Mid-Southern Conference, BC team MVP.
Adam Pottschmidt, Brownstown Central,
Accomplishments: 16 wins, All-MSC.
Gunnar Zickler, Brownstown Central, junior
Accomplishments: 14 wins, BC Most Improved.
Jackson Lahrman, Brownstown Central, junior
Accomplishments: 16 wins, All-MSC honorable mention.
Honorable mention
Ethan Wischmeier, Brownstown Central, junior
Matt Stuckwisch, Trinity Lutheran, senior
Bailey Baker, Trinity Lutheran, senior
Will Rinehart, Seymour, sophomore
Sam Schmidt, Seymour, sophomore
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Ty McCory, Seymour, senior
Accomplishments: Indiana Senior Boys Tennis All-Star, All-Hoosier Hills Conference, All-District, Academic All-State Honorable Mention, 13 wins, helped lead Seymour to sectional title at No. 1 singles, SHS MVP, SHS Coaches’ Award.
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