Horizon-Middle School Girls Tennis Starts on Monday, August 23rd!
Dear Middle School Parents and Aspiring Tennis Players:
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to coach your student athlete as part of the SPUD Tennis Program. We’re excited to get started and passionate about a game that can be played for a lifetime. Scott Matheson, (former USTA teaching pro and MHS Varsity Boys and Girls Tennis coach), will be returning to coach the middle school 7th and 8th grade girls, with help from Junior Varsity Coach, Eyan Anderson (former #1 singles player for the Spuds).
Listed below are some important details concerning our Fall Season, what to expect, our coaching philosophy and important dates. We’re hoping for a normal year (without COVID interruption) but will keep you updated on any changes and are following the state guidelines for our school district and county region.
Practice: Everyday after school, beginning on Monday, August 23rd, from 4:00 to 5:15 p.m. at Horizon Middle School tennis courts.
Here’s what’s needed before practice: An updated athletic physical (every 3 years) and an all clear card from the Horizon Middle School Office. All paperwork and activity fees need to be turned in before players can practice on August 23rd. Make sure to fill out all needed information on Parent/Student Powerschool Registration. (Access through Moorhead Schools Public Website)
How long is practice and what should I bring? About an hour, wrapping up around 5:15 pm. Wear comfortable athletic clothing (check the weather), bring water, a tennis racquet and wear tennis shoes.
Fundamentals and Fun! A typical practice focuses on tennis stroke technique, learning the same drills used by high school players, court strategy, game scoring, and ends with a positive message and a favorite game or drill. All HMS players will equally participate in every drill and as time passes, be grouped according to ability.
Updates, Communication and Weather: Every Friday, you will receive an updated email with schedule changes, practice information, tennis t-shirt, etc. Weather cancellations will be announced at Horizon and an email will be sent. In addition, the Junior Varsity captains will text last minute changes to all of our middle school players who have a cell phone (with parental permission).
Will Middle School Girls have a chance to play in matches this year? We’re hopeful but are still working out the details with other towns. Given our high middle school numbers this year, we plan on setting up intersquad matches, evenly matched teams playing singles and doubles against each other (like a high school match). It will have the same feel as a home or away meet. Hope you can attend to cheer on your student athlete!
When Does the Middle School Season End? Friday, October 1st.
Questions? Email Scott at smatheson@moorheadschools.org (student assistance counselor) or send a text to 701-361-6034. Junior Varsity Coach Eyan Anderson can be reached at 218-443-2047