Free State triumphs in tennis opener

Free State High’s Ben Cropp looked methodical and downright cautious in the Firebirds’ tennis opener against Shawnee Mission South.

That’s just what he wanted.

A stiff cross-court wind forced the senior to adjust his style. He did that successfully and came away with a relatively error-free 8-4 No. 1 singles victory against Jeremy Gottlich Tuesday at FSHS.

“You’ve got to be a lot more careful when you take chances,” Cropp said. “You’ve got to keep it in play as long as you can, and keep it in the middle, and then make sure when you take a chance, it’s a good one.”

Cropp played the role well, jumping to an early lead and patiently trading groundstrokes with Gottlich until either Cropp jumped on a mistake or Gottlich hit it into the net.

“You have more lobs, and getting to the net is important, too,” Cropp said. “That way, you can make the points shorter, and you control the match.”

Cropp, who also teamed with junior Bryan Maygers for a No. 3 doubles win, keyed the Firebirds’ 6-3 season-opening victory in surprisingly warm spring weather.

FSHS took four of the six singles matches and two of the three doubles matches, but coach Jon Renberger wasn’t entirely pleased with the performance in windy conditions.

Free State's Benn Cropp reaches for a return during a doubles match against Shawnee Mission South. Cropp and Bryan Maygers won their match, 8-5, Tuesday at Free State, and the Firebirds won the dual, 6-3.

“I didn’t think we handled it well,” Renberger said. “I’m happy we came away with the win, but when you live in Kansas, you better be able to handle any kind of conditions and know how to use them.”

Eyad Safadi, who hammered Chase Ilten, 8-0, at No. 3 singles, didn’t appear fazed by the wind. Other FSHS winners were senior Matt Schwabauer at No. 4 singles and Maygers at No. 6 singles. Schwabauer and senior Eric Sheu won at No. 2 doubles.

“I think we need to be a lot more patient,” Renberger said. “Sometimes, when it’s the first day of the season and you’re playing in front of family and friends, you want to look good, and maybe you press a little bit.”

The Firebirds, who will travel Saturday to Emporia, might have to play in windy conditions again, but Cropp doesn’t mind — provided the temperatures stay high.

“In past years, it’s been really cold. I’d put on a sweat suit and everything,” he said. “I’ll take 80 and windy any day.”