With the conclusion of spring break, the Mingus Union High School boys tennis team is ready to get back into the action.
The Marauders are currently 4-1 overall.
“I have four good players from last year that are rapidly improving and serve as the team’s anchor,” Mingus coach Larry Lineberry said. “We also have an undefeated freshman at our six spot who has been playing very well so far.”
Mingus opened the season 4-0 before falling 6-3 to Lee Williams High School on Thursday, March 7.
“I do not know what the rest of the season holds because there are about six teams we have never faced,” Lineberry said.
Mingus is currently fourth in the Division II Section 2 region.
In 2018, Mingus finished 10-4, good for fourth in their region.
“Our goal is to qualify for the state tournament as a team,” Lineberry said. “That has not happened in many years and we have a chance this year.”
For Mingus, its doubles performances will be key to the Marauders’ late season success.
“We have come out of our doubles matches trailing 2-1 in three instances this year,” Lineberry said. “It is difficult to win matches that way because you must then win four out of six singles matches.”
The Marauders have emphasized their doubles play over spring break.
“We have been working on doubles in practice with an emphasis on our net play,” Lineberry said.
Brigham Peterson and John Valentine serve as the Marauders’ one and two players this season.
“Those two are playing very well so far, along with Jordan Finger on the doubles side,” Lineberry said. “Brigham and Jordan are seniors, so I hold high expectations for them as players and as leaders.”
Peterson has played tennis for four years, all of them under Lineberry at Mingus.
“He is beginning to understand how to keep the ball in play and not get discouraged,” Lineberry said. “There have been multiple instances this season where Brigham was trailing big in a match yet came back to win.”
Peterson’s improvements in self-confidence have led to results on the court for Mingus.
“He never gives up in the match, which is a big key for him,” Lineberry said.
When it comes to a player’s potential, Lineberry said he believes the ceiling is up to the player.
“I never know how good a player will be because I do not know how much they have left in them,” Lineberry said. “I give them the information and help them achieve their goals and the rest is up to the player.”
Lineberry has coached tennis for 45 years and was inducted into the United States Tennis Association Southwest Hall of Fame in 2017.
“I have always enjoyed eliciting performances out of other people through tennis,” Lineberry said. “I very much enjoy the pleasure players have of improving their games.”
Lineberry took over the Mingus coaching position in 2016.
“It helps young people’s self-esteem and confidence whenever they can see noticeable improvement,”
Lineberry said. “Improving their confidence helps their overall life, and that is why I do what I do.”
Lineberry describes his coaching philosophy as a technical-based approach.
“I teach the technicals of the sports because many players do not know the specifics of getting the ball over,” Lineberry said. “Then they reach a limit in their tennis game and end up getting frustrated and leaving the sport.”
While tennis is not as accessible as football or basketball, Lineberry said he believes the basics are not too hard to master.
“If you do not understand how the fundamentals, it can be very hard,” Lineberry said. “The mistake that happens is a well-meaning parent plays a little tennis and tries to teach their child the basics.”
“For tennis, it comes down to perseverance and knowing the technicals of playing the sport,” Lineberry said. “In tennis, you are going to fail more than you succeed at first, so you must overcome your mistakes and press on.”
“If someone knows the correct way to hit the ball, they can play tennis their whole lives.”
The Marauders returned to the court on Tuesday, March 19, when Mingus hosted the Cactus Shadows Falcons.
