Boys tennis: Burlington Central's Welker earns school's first state medal

While state champions Naperville Central and Dunlap had plenty to celebrate after a long and successful three days of tennis, the Burlington Central camp had reason to throw a party of its own as well.

That's because Nicolas Welker became the first from Central to earn a state boys tennis medal after reeling off three consecutive victories on Saturday to pick up a well deserved fifth-place state medal.

"I went from just being happy to be here as a freshmen to I should have played better last year all the way to a state medal," said a thrilled Welker.

"Next year, maybe it's a state championship."

Welker (14-1) who came into the Class 1A state tourney on Thursday as a 9-16 seed, overwhelmed the competition, winning six matches with straight-set scores, losing only to lose to eventual third-place medalist Natan Spear of Chicago Northside.

"It was a real grind out there today, especially in my fifth-place match (against Benet's Patrick McGuigan) when the sun was beating down on the courts, and the heat was beginning to wear me down a little bit.

"I'm tired right now, but I feel great after getting this state medal."

Welker would eventually outlast the Redwings' senior with a steady forehand, and the ability to hit winners when he needed them most, while also taking advantage of unforced errors.

Case in point was the game for the match in which Welker would break his opponent, including a double fault to end it all.

"It wasn't the exciting ending everyone always likes to see, but at that point, I was starting to feel like I was going to fall over because I was so tired," said Welker.

The junior will get back to training in a day or two, with an eye toward attending a handful of offseason tournaments, including several International Tennis Federation invites, as well as a trip to Brazil this summer.

"My mother was born in Brazil, so when we get there in August, I'll play a few tournaments and see if I can live up to the success my uncle had playing there," said Welker with a wry smile.

Dunlap senior, Victor Spolidorio would dominate play at singles to help his club win its first team championship, while in Class 2A Naperville Central would do the same by holding off New Trier and Hinsdale Central to raise the title flag.