The stars aligned perfectly for Seymour’s senior night on Thursday against Brownstown.
There was no rain, there was no cancelation, and perhaps the best part, there were exactly seven seniors that head coach Sharon Wood could play at varsity.
It wasn’t the typical lineup for the Owls, but Wood wanted to do something special for the seniors who have dedicated the past four years to the team.
“Today was my best dream come true to have seven seniors and be able to put them all on the court,” Wood said. “They’ve been a hard working group for as long as I’ve known them. It’s been a real privilege and honor to work with them.”
The festivities started out with each senior getting announced and hearing about where they’re going for college and what their favorite memory was from being a part of the team. Each senior got flowers and walked up with their friends and family members.
Then it was a match time against county rival Brownstown. Not only did the Seymour seniors all get to take the court, but they all excelled as well.
Citlally Ramirez won 6-0, 6-0 at number three singles; Kirby Hill won 6-1, 6-1 at number two singles; and Sandy Cerino won 6-0, 6-2 in number one singles.
In number one doubles, the tandem of Mallory Moore and Avery Ragon won 6-2, 6-3, and the two doubles team of Ellie Cornn and Sydney Musgrave won 6-0, 6-2.
“When Sharon told us she was going to do that I was really excited,” Hill said of all the seniors playing. “We’ve been playing tennis together since the seventh grade, so it was cool to see everyone play.”
Hill wasn’t very pleased with her serves on Thursday, but she was still able to lock in on her placement and returning her opponent’s serve to stay up in the match.
Hill admits the original lineup Seymour has been playing with this season was not the one she originally thought. It speaks to the depth of the Owls’ roster this season, which is a big reason why Wood was able to switch things up for the seniors on Thursday and have it still be effective.
“We have a lot of competition within our team,” Hill said. “We’ve had a lot of younger players step up and push us older players.”
Another special thing about this senior class has been the leadership they’ve displayed throughout the season.
When it’s time to start practice, the seniors are on the line ready to go. When the team needs to have its COVID-19 forms checked, a senior will take the lead and make sure everyone has it done. They make the seating chart for the bus, clean up the trash on the bus after a road trip, pat a teammate on the back when they need it.
“Their teammates are following them because they walk the walk,” Wood said. “They show a good example of what it means to be a student-athlete, and well-deserving, the kids respect them. Always easy to follow a leader that is well-respected.”
After the match, the seniors had treats and senior goodie bags to take home with them. But Wood made it clear to the team after the match to celebrate the win tonight, but it’ll be a quick turnaround as the Owls host Salem today at 5 p.m.
As for Brownstown, the Braves will look to get back on track today when they travel to Trinity Lutheran for a match at 5 p.m. as well.