Stevenson's Bazarnik class act on and off court

It would be easy to write about Blake Bazarnik's superb talent on the tennis court.

It would be fairly obvious to even the most casual fan after finding out the Stevenson senior was crowned state singles champion last season.

However, there is more than the brilliance all have witnessed during the sensational three-year career Bazarnik has already put together, which during that span has helped his club garner back-to-back state runner-up team trophies while earning praise from all around.

Yet, he remains grounded and humble, thanks to his greatest fan.

It was obvious during his 2007 rookie season that the Vanderbilt-bound Bazarnik was headed for greatness. Deploying an arsenal of weapons that included the ability to break down most opponents, magnificent control to set up points, an incredible engine and the absolute refusal to give in, Bazarnik finished fifth in his first state tournament.

In late May last year on the Hersey tennis courts, Bazarnik defeated four-year star Michael Moore of Glenbrook South in a marathon three-setter to give the Patriots their first state champion since Karl Sloss in 1998. Bazarnik finished with a sparkling 29-1 record.

Long after Bazarnik had flashed his Olympic gold-medal-winning smile while teammates, friends and family celebrated his victory, the always affable Patriots captain said to coach Mark Linnenburger, "This was Michael's senior year."

"Blake was suddenly taken aback of the fact that Moore's high school career was over, and he wouldn't have another chance of winning a state title," said Linnenburger, who stepped into the role of assistant coach this spring because of his ever-growing family and the demands of being head coach.

"After being here from the very beginning when Blake came here to play, it would have been impossible not to be (back) at least another season to see him finish playing here at Stevenson."

Like others, new Stevenson head coach and former Linnenburger assistant Tom Stanhope admires that Bazarnik, despite his magnificent tennis talents, has no ego.

"That's the thing about Blake," said Stanhope, a former star player at Hersey. "For someone of his skill, his team-first approach is unparalleled. He just buys into the team concept, always cheering for his teammates, whether it's (No.) 2 singles or (No.) 4 doubles. Even in practice he'll acknowledge good points (played). It's his leadership and ability to serve as a role model to his teammates that is second to none.

"We hear from other coaches about how much of a standup kid he is, and the really great thing about him, aside from his tennis, is he sees the big picture in life, something every educator and coach spends years trying to teach kids."

Therein lies what Bazarnik is all about. A fierce competitor who feeds off adversity when things appear almost hopeless, he has gained all the motivation and inspiration needed to succeed from one person - his big brother.

Blake's 23-year-old brother Brent, who is on the autism spectrum and has mild cerebral palsy, has been his biggest fan. Brent is somewhat of a gym rat at College Park Tennis Club in Bannockburn, where he can be seen at times hitting with Blake, while being treated like one of the regulars at the club.

It's because of his relationship with his brother that Bazarnik will be part of the special education program at Vanderbilt.

Said little-brother Blake: "When you see how happy Brent is being around all of the players and the sport and how much joy it gives him to partake in all of the different sports and activities at his group home, and with our family, it just puts everything into perspective on life, and how it is meant to be lived."

Unlike many other great players in his sport, Bazarnik is playing his fourth year of high school tennis.

The reason? Because it's fun.

"I never gave it a thought about not coming back for my senior year," Bazarnik said. "I like being on a high school team, where your friends can come watch and cheer for you. It's great to be cheering for your teammates, especially in the postseason (the last two years) when we were fighting for a state championship."

New Trier coach Tad Eckert supports Bazarnik's words and feelings.

"I give Blake a lot of credit, because if anyone didn't need to come back after winning a state title, it was him," Eckert said. "But it's obvious he's a great teammate and leader, and he kind of illustrates what high school sports is all about."

Kind words from a rival coach and someone who has been where Bazarnik has. Eckert won a state title for New Trier in 1989.

So this spring, Bazarnik will focus on leading a young and experienced club for Stanhope, with the challenges of repeating as state champ hardly a mention.

"We're at the very beginning of a long season, and there's a lot of tennis to be played," Bazarnik said. "It's a very deep and talented field out there. But I get all of the inspiration that I need on and off the court from my brother, and I feel lucky each day that we have each other and that we are so close."

Bazarnik admits he'll miss his brother far too much when he leaves for Vandy in the fall, but knows the two are just a phone call away.

"Brent is home only during the weekends, but we talk all of the time," Bazarnik said. "When I go away that will continue, because we have a bond that is very special to both of us."