Missouri Boys High School Season Ready for Takeoff

Local high school boys’ tennis programs in the USTA Missouri district will be back in action this spring one year after the COVID-19 pandemic ripped away the vast majority of the 2020 campaign. And the new season may also bring a newfound appreciation among players, coaches and parents alike for the simple opportunity to be participating in prep tennis once again.

That’s the way Kenny Seifert, assistant executive director of the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA), saw it play out this past fall during the high school girls’ tennis season. Seifert said he’s looking forward to more of the same when the boys’ teams get their turn for tennis starting March 1.

“I’ve always believed you have to look at the silver lining in every cloud,” Seifert said. “If there is one thing we have experienced at the MSHSAA office this year, it’s gone back to that general appreciation of ‘Hey, we’re fortunate to get to do this. Let’s consider ourselves lucky. Let’s be a little kinder. Let’s be a little more respectful. Let’s be a little more appreciative of everybody as they put forth an effort to make these things happen.’ That has been a wonderful, wonderful experience.

“When players step onto the court for their first match this spring, there is just going to be a general appreciation of how much they missed it and how lucky they are. Maybe they just play with a little less stress because they’re enjoying the moment. That’s what we want kids to do — enjoy the experience.”

Roger Whittler, boys’ tennis head coach and girls’ tennis assistant coach at Capital City High School in Jefferson City, echoed that sentiment. He said his student-athletes are working hard in preparation for Capital City’s first practice  March 1. The Cavaliers are slated to play their first match of the 2021 campaign March 22.

“It’s an inspiration to see how we’ve been able to overcome the adversity of last year,” Whittler said. “Our players continue to practice offseason at different venues. I’d see them practicing their skills on their own, eager to get back and play tennis competitively for the high school. They’ve all shown the integrity to understand without complaining about the circumstances. But to continue to work hard knowing hopefully we’ll have a great season.”

As he did with his girls’ tennis team in the fall, Whittler — and other Missouri high school tennis coaches — is preparing for what will be a unique season ahead in the COVID-19 climate. Last fall, Whittler said special attention went into travel and meal planning for away matches. Players rode in the same assigned seats to and from match sites.

Players’ temperatures were checked before the bus departed and masks were required for the duration of trips. Whittler said masks were mandated at all times except when student-athletes were playing or warming up on the court. The same protocols were in place for practice sessions.

Whittler noted the tennis program had extra supplies ready for wiping down and disinfecting equipment. The Cavaliers followed USTA protocols for ball-handling and management of COVID-19. These additional measures prompted the Capital City coaching staff to extend practices by 15 minutes in the fall.

Whittler said parents have been supportive in wanting their children to compete in athletics once again. After players missed out on the 2020 season, Whittler articulated the importance of tennis participation to the overall high school experience for his athletes.

“Tennis builds up a stamina and capability to overcome adversity, work through difficulties and manage life’s problems,” Whittler said. “That’s really something that is transferable in a way that is highly sought after in my opinion. That is people who play and accept defeat but play their best. Or win and are gracious about it. It creates people who are already great to be even greater individuals.”

Seifert said the modifications that were instituted for the girls’ tennis season will be identical for the boys’ season. The top emphasis is every Missouri high school must abide by their respective local county and health department requirements. Seifert said MSHSAA elected not to draw a statewide line in the sand because all schools would then be forced to follow the guidelines of Missouri’s most restrictive school.

“Our philosophy from day one was knowing that every part of the state is different -  why would we hinder someone’s opportunity to participate in one part of the state that has no restrictions just because another part of the state 300 miles away has all kinds of restrictions,” Seifert said. “The reason we’ve never taken a detailed guideline protocol and enforced it across the board for everybody — basically a one-size-fits-all — is we didn’t think one size fitted all.”

Seifert said MSHSAA does have considerations it advised member schools to apply this past fall as well as to enforce this coming spring:

1. Social distance recommendations to be maintained at all times.

2. Avoid using hands to pick up tennis balls; try to use racquet and foot.

3. Avoid handshakes before, during or after contests.

4. Avoid chest bumps or fist bumps, which especially occur in doubles play.

5. Avoid sharing food, drinks or towels.

6. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at facilities.

Seifert said the MSHSAA office kept two key tenets at the forefront of their many meetings and discussions: Doing what they could to keep people as safe as possible while simultaneously giving every student-athlete an opportunity to compete.

“We felt both of those were vitally important to the big picture,” Seifert said. “Yes, we truly are concerned about the safety of everyone in our society. At the same time, we cannot completely stop everything that everyone is doing. Life cannot come to a standstill. We felt there were benefits to young individuals having an opportunity to participate and compete. There are health ramifications that come from not being able to compete and do the things we have a passion to do.

“I know the boys are chomping at the bit and are excited to get back and play. Hopefully we have a wonderful spring from a weather perspective. They can just get out there and play until their heart’s content.”