Rio Mesa takes on a new role
Perennial PVL favorite trying to fight its way back to the top of league standings
By Stephen Dorman sdorman@theacorn.com

JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers MAKING A CONNECTION- Rio Mesa High's Mickey Kumar rips a forehand return during a Pacific View League match earlier this week. RMHS has replaced all but two members from last year's team.

Steve Worthington is keeping it real.

The longtime Rio Mesa High boys' tennis coach understands that, with only two players returning from last season's Pacific View League championship roster, RMHS is no longer considered the league favorite- that honor now goes to a pair of more experienced teams, Camarillo and Oxnard.

Being a favorite doesn't matter much to Worthington, though, because he encourages all his players to be realistic about perceived expectations.

"To take a team with the caliber of players that we've had and to lose them, and then to have a bunch of fellas all come in at the same time, so much pressure is put on the new guys," Worthington said.

"The expectations, the footsteps in which they are following, makes it extra hard. But I think they're handling it pretty well. They are not the most talented group, but they've got heart, and they don't surrender when they're frustrated."

JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers ACE- Spartan Kyle Crocket prepares to make his serve.

Expectations have always been high at Rio Mesa, where, according to the coach, the Spartans have won all but one league title since the PVL was formed nearly a decade ago.

Rather than attempt to chase history and match previous teams' results, however, Worthington has encouraged this year's Spartan players to make mistakes, learn from what went wrong, take care of the necessary adjustments and, most importantly, to have a good time no matter what happens on the court.

"If kids are going to enjoy what they're doing, they have to be able to forgive themselves," Worthington said. "They should acknowledge the fact that they're playing a great game. They're learning. They're growing. They can play tennis for the rest of their lives. I try to keep it in perspective."

Just because Rio Mesa is inexperienced at the varsity level, don't expect the Spartans to hand over the PVL championship without a fight.

Stepping in as the Spartans' No. 1 singles player is freshman Kress Merrill, a powerful serveand-volley specialist.

"He has the best serve of our three singles players," Worthington said.

Junior Jon Webster was on the No. 3 doubles teams a year ago. Now Webster's competing as the No. 2 singles player, a significant leap on the competitive scale.

Webster said that while the players around him have changed, he continues to play with the same intensity he did when his team was supposed to win every match.

"Different guys might respond differently to being an underdog, but I try not to pay attention to it, really." Webster said. "Last year, playing as the third doubles team, you're never supposed to do too much. So now I just try to relax and do my thing."

Senior Johnny Wu is the exception on a team ripe with change. Wu was the No. 3 singles player last season and has reclaimed the role in '08.

According to Worthington, Wu is the type of player who will do all the little things necessary to pull out a victory. The coach refers to him as a "grinder."

"If you win ugly," Wu said, "it's still winning."

Since Rio Mesa recently began its league schedule, Wu has reminded his teammates to stay focused on each individual opponent, one point at a time.

"We have to approach each match with a lot of caution," Wu said. "We can't push over a lot of the teams we've pushed over the last few years."

Kyle Crocket has been shuffling between the junior varsity and varsity teams, filing in as a singles player when needed. Webster, the No. 2 singles player, said Crocket is a talented up-and-comer and a welcome addition to the group.

Crocket "has a very fluid way of playing, and he never looks like he's trying too hard," Webster said.

Jake Nolan and Mickey Kumar are working as the No. 1 doubles team. Eric Buchanan and Zach Halpern are in the No. 2 slot, with Scott Buchanan and Kea Kanamu as the No. 3 pairing. Steven Varela and Daniel Yu complete the Rio Mesa roster.

On Tuesday afternoon, Rio Mesa defeated Channel Islands on the road to improve its record to 5-2 overall and 1-1 in league. With spring break on the horizon next week, the Spartans won't play another league match until April 1 against Hueneme.