Burlington High School Boys Tennis Team Claims State Championship
In a thrilling showdown that showcased remarkable resilience, Burlington High School’s boys tennis team clinched the state championship by defeating their rivals from Essex, solidifying their position as one of Vermont’s top tennis teams. The championship, held at Davis Park, marked a significant moment for the Seahorses, who have now achieved this prestigious title for the second time in three years.
Key Matches and Standout Performances
In the opening singles match, junior Oscar Crainich displayed extraordinary tenacity, overcoming an 8-5 disadvantage in the final matchbreaker set—a format in Vermont high school tennis that requires players to win 10 points and lead by at least two. Crainich fought back to tie the score at 9-9 before his adversary, Derin Suren of Essex, sent the ball out of bounds, sealing Crainich’s victory in a nail-biting finish.
“My strategy was to keep running and give it my all, especially since this was my last match,”
said Crainich, reflecting on his performance. This win was pivotal in Burlington’s sweep of the entire match, as they went on to win all seven individual contests against the No. 3 Essex team.
The afternoon was not without its challenges; despite the outcome suggesting a decisive victory, five matches extended to three sets, demonstrating Burlington’s perseverance after losing the first set in several of those matches. Head coach Cody Tran emphasized the importance of maintaining focus until the final point, a mantra that clearly resonated with his players.
Highlighting the depth of talent within the Seahorses, other singles victories came from freshman Niah Lemay, senior Quinn Moore, and Oliver Crainich, Oscar’s brother, each navigating closely contested battles to contribute to the team’s success. In doubles play, seniors Tobey Bernabe and Semin Devic also showcased their skills by rallying to win after dropping the first set, proving the importance of mental resilience as Bernabe noted,
“Having the support of our fans helped me overcome my mental struggles during the match.”
Celebrating a Successful Season
The team blended youthful energy with seasoned experience, illustrated by the performance of juniors Ben Koh and Miles Kenny in their first year on the squad, who secured a solid win in their doubles match, displaying the growing talent pool within the program. This championship is a continuation of Burlington’s impressive run, having reached the team championship five times in the last six years.
In a celebratory moment after the matches concluded, a member of the team poured the contents of the water cooler over coach Tran’s head as a tribute to his first championship in this role. Tran, who previously served as the assistant coach at Essex, expressed his emotions regarding this victory, noting how special it was to triumph over familiar opponents and to witness the advancements made by both teams.
