Captains are a-plenty on the Mercer Island High School boys varsity tennis team this fall and a foursome of netters is helping drive the squad to success.
In the senior realm, there’s Logan Herzinger, Nathan Wen and Sam Dilworth, who are joined by junior Gian Manhas.
With an 11-0 overall record at press time, the team has proven to be a dominant force on each court it steps foot upon.
The Reporter has placed two of the racket-toting captains, Herzinger and Wen, under the lens this issue and asked them to delve into what makes the team roll this season.
“The best part about this team is definitely the camaraderie that the whole team has. A lot of us have played together for years, and the guys we haven’t played with have already become integral to the team,” said Herzinger, a No. 1 doubles player who added that positivity is another one of the team’s key ingredients.
Wen, a No. 3 singles guy, chipped in with some insight into the team dynamic: “The best part of the team is the hunger exhibited by the underclassmen. Because we are so competitive, players who are good enough to start on other teams ride the bench on ours. This creates a deep motivation for many of our players, who constantly find opportunities to challenge each other or play outside of practice.”
When it comes to battering the helpless yellowish-green ball, Herzinger favors his overhead shot that provides immense energy while Wen’s strong points are his forehand and serve.
On the captaining front, Herzinger feels he unleashes enthusiasm and the aforementioned positivity toward his teammates, and that cheering translates into him playing to the best of his ability. In Wen’s corner, it all kicks off with discipline and consistently registering wins, and through this, they experience a fun atmosphere along the way.
“After we win, we can have more fun by, for instance, going to Wingstop,” Wen said.
The Reporter asked Herzinger and Wen a series of questions to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into their lives:
What’s a binge-worthy TV series you’d recommend?
Herzinger: As a “Star Wars” nerd, I would recommend any show related to it, especially “Andor.” There’s also “Stranger Things,” of course. A perfect rainy day movie to binge will always be “Lord of the Rings,” and also the new show, “The Rings of Power.” Both are awesome.
Wen: “Chernobyl.” Learning of the ineptitude of the Soviet Union was enlightening.
If you could go to dinner with one person, who would that be?
Herzinger: Either Harrison Ford or Sean Hayes. I personally love Harrison Ford’s movies and I feel like he would be a super interesting person to talk to, and talking to Sean Hayes would be absolutely amazing.
Wen: My late great-grandfather. I was given his name, but he died many years before I was born.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Herzinger: I’ve found that I feel like I always have to do something in my free time, like I have to stay busy. Like Gandalf said, “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.” I’ve now learned to enjoy my free time and relax, kick my feet up and take some time off, especially with the stress of senior year and college applications.
Wen: Don’t sing your praise; let others do it for you.
Do you have a daily motto or saying that guides you through each day? What is it?
Herzinger: My parents have always encouraged me to do everything I can, to the best of my ability. I try to live by that by giving my 100% into everything from sports, to school, to friends. Your focus determines your reality.
Wen: Keep failing. You’ll succeed eventually.
