When Coach Tim Kalis decided to pursue his goal of becoming
a school administrator earlier this year, he knew he’d eventually have to give
up his long-held commitment and passion of coaching the Park Hill tennis
programs. With an opportunity available to seize on that goal starting next
school year, this season’s boys tennis team will be the last he’ll have the
chance to oversee. Last week, clinching an impressive sixth consecutive
district title, the Trojans made sure Kalis went out on a successful note, especially
in a year where the odds may have been stacked against them.
“It says a lot about what the program has built over the
last six to eight years. It’s good to see all of that come together, especially
in a year where we were supposed to be down,” junior Max Schoettger said. “It
really says a lot about our coaching staff and how instrumental they have
been.”
Defeating Oak Park
5-2 the day before in the district semifinal, Park Hill jumped ahead of Staley
early in the district title matchup before Mike Jones and Max Schoettger sealed
the victory with a doubles win to notch another 5-2 win. Jones and Schoettger
have been a sparkplug for a Trojan team that lost one of their top players to a
preseason injury and had several holes to fill in their lineup. Chris To, Noah
Higgins-Dunn, Louis Reinmiller, and Trevin Howerton would join in the ranks of
what would turn into a steady and consistent group for the Trojans.
“Coming into the season, on paper they (Staley) were
probably the pick as the favorite. Based on who we had coming back, we could’ve
been considered the underdog,” Kalis said.
While Kalis admitted being a little tense about the idea of going
for his sixth straight district title, he believes his players approached it a
different way and really signified how close this particular team has become
since the beginning of the season.
“I think they pushed themselves and used the fact that we
were going for our sixth title as more motivation. They took it on themselves
to bring that intensity,” Kalis said. “Michael Jones has been here through
several successful teams and he’s taken it on himself to tighten the bond that
this team has.”
Jones, a senior captain, reinforces his coach’s compliment
by drawing attention to the little things they focused on that made a
difference.
“We scheduled group hits, practiced together, and made sure
we connected well with each other,” Jones said. “Our chemistry is probably our
best thing right now. That’s really all you can ask for.”
Teammate and doubles partner Max Schoettger talked about the
excitement he was feeling during their final match. Not only for himself, but
for Jones who has been a significant part of all four titles won during his
career.
“You have to love the moment. It’s Mike’s senior year and
we’re playing in the final match for his fourth straight district title. It was
a blast for me to be a part of that on the court,” Schoettger said.
The Park Hill tennis programs have under gone a significant
transformation over the last ten years under Kalis and his brother Ryan, who
also went into administration two years ago. The number one thing that stands
out are the expectations players set for themselves.
“The thing that gives me the most pride is how the
expectations have changed in that time period and where the kids set their
goals,” Kalis said. “The program has come a long way from those years when we
were close to .500.”
But the records don’t come anywhere close to outweighing the
personal relationships Kalis has built with his players over the years. In that
regard, he’s truly grateful.
“I’ve been so blessed when I look back at my ten years here
to have been impacted by so many kids and how they have inspired me. Hopefully,
I have provided that to them as well,” Kalis said. “It’s a little bittersweet.
We’ve developed some wonderful relationships. I know for a fact, that’s what
I’ll miss the most, but that’s also what I treasure the most.”
