The Archbishop Spalding High School boys’ tennis team, as successful as it is, has an interesting team makeup this season: a volleyball player, a receiver from the football team and a new coach from the United States Military Academy at West Point.
No matter the makeup, the Severn Cavaliers are stinging their competition with a 6-0 record and one match to play. They have swept all but one match, as Glenelg Country School made it interesting on April 23 in a 3-2 Spalding win.
According to Head Coach Bob Dietrich, the team is a “dream to coach.” “They are a team with a great attitude, with good form and are hard workers,” said Dietrich, a professional player, teacher and coach at Severn Valley Tennis and Fitness Club.
The team is led by senior captain Zach Fritz at No. 1 Singles. Fritz is a solid player with a nice serve. He was named the most valuable player of the volleyball team this year. The Cavs’ No. 2 Singles player, senior Jim Lohr, is a receiver for the football team.
Lohr is the kind of player who never gives up and fights for every last point. In fact, Coach Dietrich remembered a recent scenario when a local photographer caught a shot of Lohr diving for a ball. The photo shows Lohr horizontal with the playing surface, an example of Lohr’s determination and focus.
The Cavs’ No. 3 Singles is Sammy Larson. Undefeated in his matches thus far, Larson is consistent and a hard worker, and he comes with a great attitude.
One of the most improved sets of players is the undefeated No. 1 doubles team of sophomore Benton Davies and senior Zach Miller. Behind them are a variety of players who move in and out of the lineup with senior captain Pat Joyce at No. 2 Doubles. At times Joyce will team up with Pat O’Friel or Steven Hardig. Matt Laukaitis, another improved player, will also see time in the lineup.
The Cavaliers finish up their regular MIAA B Conference schedule on April 29 against Key School, Annapolis.