Vernon Hills eager to meet tourney challenge

On most days in March, it was hard to tell the Vernon Hills tennis team from the school's track team.

"We would just run up and down the halls of the high school," coach Doug Gerber said.

When the boys were not running, they were doing tennis drills on the basketball court or watching tennis videos.

"I need to get some more (videos)," Gerber said with a smile. "I exhausted my supply. This was the worst spring I can remember."

Now that April is here, perhaps some better weather will follow. Vernon Hills is scheduled to play today in the Liberty Bell Tournament. Because of amount of courts needed, the tournament is contested at Glenbrook North and Glenbrook South.

Last year, the Cougars finished in a three-way tie for the Prairie title with Lakes and Grant. While Lakes is a slight favorite this season, there is a lot for the Cougars to be excited about.

At least early in the season, Sam Rong will make the transition from No 1 doubles to No. 1 singles. Although Rong might play doubles in the sectional tournament, he is excited about the challenge of playing singles.

"I've played singles my entire life," he said. "I can put some pretty good power on my forehand, but I need to get more consistent with all my shots."

The experience he gained at doubles should help his play in singles.

"He learned the transition game in doubles, and he's not afraid to come in and put the ball away," Gerber said. "He's always had a good first serve and his ground strokes are solid."

Jingyu Lee will be paired with Josh Brickman at No. 1 doubles.

"They do a nice job communicating and reading their opponents," Gerber said. "(Brickman) is a pretty tall kid so if he gets close to the net it's hard to lob them."

Lee is especially skilled at keeping points alive.

"He's a human backboard," Rong said.

The Cougars have 50 players in the program, the most in the school's brief history. As a result, Gerber can't wait for consistent practice time so challenge matches can commence.

"I like to make it as objective as possible, and it's more subjective at this point," Gerber said. "We're trying to get an idea of the tennis ladder."

Rong said the Cougars have stayed positive despite the frustrating March weather.

"You just have to deal with it," he said. "We did get a chance to get to know each other and that was the best part. We're a well rounded team and we all get along well."