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Uvaldeans enjoy successful spring


“We were having a really good spring tennis season,” said Uvalde High School head tennis coach Terri Rambie. “But then everything came to a grinding halt with the coronavirus.”

On March 16, the University Interscholastic League suspended all sports activities because of the COVID-19 virus health threat.

“It is unfortunate and disappointing, but it is a huge reminder to us all that there is someone bigger in control of our lives,” said Rambie. “We pray that God protects us and keeps us all healthy during this coronavirus health crisis. That is the most important thing.

“Considering the health and welfare of our student athletes, suspending play was the only responsible thing that the UIL could do in light of the threat posed by the coronavirus,” said Rambie. “Facing adversity is a life lesson. These life lessons are things that participation in athletics teach our young men and young women.

“I feel bad for all our kids, because they have worked so hard in preparation for the spring tennis season. And they had enjoyed so much success in tournament play prior to the suspension of activities,” said Rambie. “I especially feel bad for our seniors on the team. This is their last opportunity to play high school tennis.”

UHS seniors on the team include Beau Gonzalez, Andrew Melchor, Ricardo Moreno, Juan Melchor, Joel Zamarripa, Mattie Elder, Kezia Rodriguez, Arlin Morales, Marilyn Torres, Alexia Quijano, Crystal Mason, Rene Garcia, and Elizabeth Rodriguez.

“These seniors have worked hard to get to this point and they were looking forward to playing out this season,” said Rambie.

“For the sake of these seniors and for the other kids on our team, we hope to resume play next month, but that remains to be seen,” said Rambie. “We just have to remain faithful and hope for the best.”

Coach Rambie credited UHS assistant tennis coach Eric Mahler and Uvalde Morales Junior High tennis coach Jaime Rainwater for their help in the success of the program.

“I could not do what I do with the program without their help. I am grateful for all that they do,” said Rambie.

“If we resume the spring tennis season next month, great. But even if we do not play another match this season, these kids have had a successful spring,” said Rambie. “They have exceeded my expectations.

“Going into the spring season, we set our goals high and these kids have done everything they could to exceed those expectations,” said Rambie. “They have been committed to excellence in the classroom and on the playing court. And they have been successful.

“Our seniors on the team will graduate and hopefully go on to more success in their future past high school, while our underclassmen will return and begin to get ready for our 2020 team tennis season,” said Coach Rambie.

“Overall, we had a great team tennis season last fall and we have had a successful spring season,” said Rambie. “I am so very proud of our kids. They have represented Uvalde High School well, both on and off the court.

“Like I said before, we would like to complete this current spring tennis season, but whether play or not is out of our hands,” said Rambie. “All we can do is be ready and hope for the opportunity to play more tennis next month.”

james Volz|Leader-NewsKezia Rodriguez keeps her eyes on the tennis ball as she prepares to hit it with her racket. Her play on the ball came during team tennis action last October. She and her teammates have enjoyed a successful spring tennis season.

james Volz|Leader-NewsKezia Rodriguez keeps her eyes on the tennis ball as she prepares to hit it with her racket. Her play on the ball came during team tennis action last October. She and her teammates have enjoyed a successful spring tennis season.

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