CT boys tennis athlete of the year: Jonathon Schwerin, Madison East
For the second consecutive year, Madison East's Jonathon Schwerin dominated boys tennis in Madison, not losing a single match against an area player. The 6-foot-6 Schwerin is now preparing to take his game to Marquette University on a partial tennis scholarship.
"I'm really looking forward to college tennis; there will be tons of competition every day, something I didn't have in Madison," said Schwerin, who was quick to note the exception: Purgolders teammate Connor Gillmore. "There aren't really that many players around here to practice with."
To prepare for the level he'll experience at Division I, Schwerin competes in regional United States Tennis Association-sanctioned tournaments and events like the USTA/Midwest Section District Team Cup. That's where Schwerin met Marquette coach Steve Rodecap.
"I was looking at Big Ten and Big East schools, but I wasn't getting much interest. At the time I wasn't ranked that high," said Schwerin, who is currently ranked 19th in the Midwest by the USTA for Boys 18s -- his highest ranking ever. "Steve (Rodecap) saw potential in me and liked my size."
In October 2007, the big-serving Schwerin stopped his search and committed to Marquette, which finished fifth in the Big East conference tournament in April.
The No. 1 singles player for the Purgolders his entire high school career, Schwerin reached the quarterfinals of the WIAA Division 1 individual state tournament for the second consecutive year. And he propelled East into the finals of the WIAA team state tournament, where the Purgolders finished runners-up to Milwaukee Marquette.
Schwerin, who finished 22-4 on the season, believes what he'll miss most about high school tennis is his teammates and the loyal and loud East fans. He says even now when he's playing USTA tournaments, he misses the support.
"Having the team and the fans supporting you really helps a lot in big matches. It is tough fighting through a match without fans or without a coach to come talk to you," Schwerin explained.
Fortunately for Schwerin, at the collegiate level, coaching is permitted between points as long as it doesn't interrupt play.
"Last week at the (USTA) Team Cup they allowed coaching, and the advice I got helped me come back from 5-1 down to win a match 7-5, 6-0," added Schwerin, who reached the finals of the Wisconsin Midwest qualifier earlier this month. "It will help a ton."
ALL-TIME WINNERS
2008 -- Jonathon
Schwerin, Madison East
2007 -- Jonathon Schwerin, Madison East
2006 -- Danny Glinert, Madison Edgewood
2005 -- Danny Glinert, Madison Edgewood
2004 -- Jimmy Voxman, Madison La Follette
2003 -- Pete Amundson, Madison La Follette
J. Schwerin
