Applecross tennis players recently competed in the School Sport Australia National Schools Tennis Championships, with the girls earning a four week stay at the John Newcombe Tennis Ranch in Texas. (L to R)  Tyler Mizuhata, Luna Jokanovic, Kendrick Chia, Kent Yamazaki, Matthew Burton, Hayley Burton, Tara Gilich, Casey Tay and  Siddhant Mathankar.
Camera IconApplecross tennis players recently competed in the School Sport Australia National Schools Tennis Championships, with the girls earning a four week stay at the John Newcombe Tennis Ranch in Texas. (L to R) Tyler Mizuhata, Luna Jokanovic, Kendrick Chia, Kent Yamazaki, Matthew Burton, Hayley Burton, Tara Gilich, Casey Tay and Siddhant Mathankar. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Applecross SHS tennis players to visit John Newcombe Tennis Ranch in Texas

Bryce LuffMelville Gazette

APPLECROSS Senior High School tennis players have scored a trip to the John Newcombe Tennis Ranch in Texas in 2018.

Established in 1968 by champion Australian tennis player John Newcombe, the ranch offers year-round tennis camps and a world-class tennis academy.

Applecross’ girls team secured a four week stay thanks to their sportsmanship, behaviour and teamwork throughout the recent School Sport Australia National Schools Tennis Championships, where they finished fifth.

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It was an incredible ending to a tournament where the girls faced tough opposition and had to battle injuries.

The team, made up of Madeline Muller-Hughes, Luna Jokanovic, Hayley Burton, Tara Gilich and Casey Tay, was presented the prize by Newcombe’s son, Clint, after being voted on by all team managers at the tournament.

Applecross SHS specialist tennis program co-ordinator Lee Jarvinen said it was an exciting opportunity.

“It will be good for the girls to see the way of life over there and get exposure to different coaches,” he said.

Tennis West chief executive Michael Roberts said the award was impressive.

“Whilst performance is always a priority at interschool competitions, it is also equally as important to have students that display high levels of sportsmanship, integrity and teamwork representing our state,” he said.

Applecross’ boys side, which Mr Jarvinen said was very young, finished seventh.

The girls are expected to head to the USA next October.

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