Williamson's great run at D-C comes to an end
A key figure in and around the Fox Valley Conference the past four years finally saw his superb tennis career come to an end Friday afternoon.
Dundee-Crown's Mike Williamson fell in three sets to 5-8 seed Jonah Schwartz of Buffalo Grove 6-1, 4-6, 6-2 in the backdraw of the boys state tournament at Buffalo Grove.
The Chargers senior went six rounds in the tournament and 4-2 before bowing out.
"Right now I can barely move," said Williamson, who in the match prior to his battle with Schwartz went another three long sets before outlasting Glenbard East senior Pat Clark 6-7 (8), 7-6 (8), 6-3.
Until this weekend, the University of Iowa-bound Williamson had not played a single three-set match this season.
"Looking back on (this) tournament, I can say that I didn't play to my full potential, but despite that, I have absolutely no regrets about this weekend or any other time during my 4 years at D-C," Williamson said
There can be little doubt of the achievement Williamson (32-2) recorded after joining coach Harlan Miller's starting lineup.
Among the highlights he lists as his favorites: four trips to the state tournament -- recording 11 victories in all -- a sectional championship last season over Barrington star Patrick Lee, surviving a hard-fought match with Clark, being a part of the Chargers program and playing for Miller.
"Coach did a great job on and off the court with me and helping me keep my head straight while staying on track as a true student-athlete," Williamson said.
With his 4 victories over the two days here, Williamson finished with 130 wins in his high school career.
Williamson surprised Schwartz early after the Buffalo Grove senior easily grabbed the first set and appeared well on his way to cruising to his 27th win on the year.
"Obviously Mike's big serve, especially with the wind at his back, helped turn things around for him in our second set, but he was a tough guy to break through (on) and a deceiving, and talented opponent," Schwartz said. "Maybe if he doesn't go three sets against Clark, it's a different story."
"I appreciate what Jonah said, but I really think for most of the match I was playing on pure adrenaline," Williamson said. "It's been a great experience and 4 years at D-C, and one that I'll never forget."
Yosh Patel's remarkable backdraw run ended, but not until after the Bartlett senior upended a trio of opponents, including 17-32 draw Andrew Rice of St. Viator in his opening match Friday by scores of 6-4, 7-5.
Patel, who finished third in the Lake Park sectional last weekend, earned victories over area rival Yuto Tsukida of Streamwood and Craig Callihane of Rockford Boylan before Downers Grove South junior Gautham Oroskar eliminated Patel in straight sets.