Royle, Smith took PHS tennis to new heights with fifth place finish at state

Although the swinging rackets, squeaking courts, and blazing tennis balls have been silenced and the books closed on the high school tennis season for a little over a week now, Park Hill South senior Griffin Smith and sophomore Zack Royle’s fifth place finish in the Missouri Class 2 state doubles tournament will go down as the best finish in Panther history. The two all-state selections defeated Parkway Central in their opening round with a 6-3, 6-1 victory before falling to Kirkwood in three matches. The loss eliminated them from title contention, but didn’t dampen their aspirations. In fact, Smith and Royle went on a tear to win their next three matches in route to their fifth place finish.

Sophomore Zack Royle (left) and senior Griffin Smith (right)

“One of my goals was to go undefeated as long as possible and I only ended up with three losses which is pretty good,” Smith said of his singles season. “Being paired up with Zack (in doubles), we trained together at the same place so we have been working together all year. We knew we had a really good chance to do well at state and we did, it was a great season.”

“As a coach, the satisfaction I take in these accomplishments is secondary to the pride I take in seeing their personal development and the quality of their character. During the season, they have had to serve as role models to the team and cope with the weight of extremely high expectations. They did so with a maturity well beyond their years,” Coach Ian Cunliff said.

A clear picture can be developed of the pair that went undefeated in doubles this season and has been a major part of the establishment of Park Hill South tennis as one of the more formidable programs in the metro over recent years; one of both power and precision.

“He’s a lot better at the net than I am. We’re strongest when I’m serving and he’s at the net, that’s where we try to start matches,” Royle said of the pairing. “He’s left handed so he can get different spins than I can. There aren’t that many righty-lefty combos out there. He’s probably the best lefty in the state.”

“I have more of a placement game where I can put the ball somewhere and Zack is more of a power player. So it really works well together,” Smith said when comparing their styles.

While Smith was a state qualifier in doubles last year, Royle was a freshman on the varsity stage for the first time. Both Smith and Cunliff said Royle’s development between then and now played a huge role in the pair’s success.

“Over the past year, Zack really matured and that was a big thing. Last year as a freshman, he didn’t have as much power and wasn’t as consistent as he is now,” Smith said.

“…he underwent a personal metamorphosis,” Cunliff said. “As a freshman, Zack was frequently visibly overwhelmed by the pressure of an individual sport. This year, he exuded a persona of positive energy that overwhelmed his opponents.”

Having the calming influence of Smith play the role of experienced veteran was also a positive factor in the pair’s success. While the duo came into their own this season, they’ve had a friendship in place since they were first introduced to the sport.

“Griffin and I met when I was about eight or nine years old. We played together at Old Pike (Country Club),” Royle said.

With the conclusion of their season, both will assume different roles moving forward. Smith, with his diploma in hand, will be attending Truman State University next year where he’ll be continuing his tennis career joining friend and local Park Hill graduate Mike Merchant along with Liberty's Jake Olhhausen on the courts in Kirksville. He’s proud of his accomplishments at Park Hill South while also being excited for the future of his former partner.

“I got to do it with a lot of my friends and I’m real happy about it. I’m sure Zack can get it (all-state) again, but it was pretty awesome to a part of and solidifies ourselves in Park Hill South athletic history,” Smith said.

“Though it is cliché, I learned more about the importance of determination and tenacity over natural ability than he ever learned about tennis from me,” Cunliff said of his departing senior. “The future holds wonderful things for Griffin. I know that he will have success at whatever he chooses to do.”

As for Royle, he’ll assume the role of upperclassman when he comes back for his junior season. His summer will include a busy schedule of weekend tournaments and simultaneously preparing for Panther football in the fall on the weekdays when he’ll attend early morning football workouts followed by hours of tennis trying to play against as many styles and opponents as possible. With two more years to look forward to, Royle sees an opportunity to add more to the Panther trophy case.

“I’d like to qualify for state and make all-state again. I’d love to win a state championship. Coach Ian (Cunliff) thinks Justin (Geary) and I have a great chance at doing some damage in doubles next year,” Royle said.