Due to the efforts of a few students, the boys’ tennis returned to campus. Last year, the program took a hiatus, because of a lack of interest.

One tennis player, who recruited athletes, was senior Bill Cowin.

“I am happy to be playing again my senior year because tennis is the only sport I play and really enjoy the sport,” Cowin said. “I was the assistant coach for the girls’ tennis team this year; it made up for not having playing on the tennis team last year.”

When Cowin is not at school, playing tennis or chauffeuring his younger siblings, he maintains a part-time job at Bobby Salazar’s located on Champlain and Perrin.

“It is hard to juggle a job with long hours and AP classes,” Cowin said. “I do not really have time for myself because I also have three siblings that I have to drive everywhere. So even though I am in two AP classes and a bible class I have to stay at school all day.”

Although Cowin is the team’s No. 2 player and has played tennis since seventh grade, he does not play competitively outside of FC.

“I play tennis because tennis is a hobby that I am naturally good at and that I enjoy,” Cowin said. “Tennis is also a sport that I can keep playing even when I grow old and it is a good way to exercise yourself both physically and mentally.”

Cowin’s parents, David and Cathy, started him playing tennis at T-Sport, formally know was Dan Gamels, in elementary school. Cowin believes those lessons, coupled with encouragement from a friend has progressed his game the most.

“The person that supports me the most is my doubles partner and best friend, Matt Nickel (’08),” Cowin said. “He encourages me more than anyone. We condition for tennis together, motivate one another to improve our game and give it all we’ve got.”

Improvement in ground-strokes makes Cowin anticipate seeing his individual ranking rise in the Valley.

“I have always enjoyed playing the away games,” Cowin said. “I have many enjoyable team bonding experiences from playing tennis. Most are from the bus rides on the way to the matches and even during the matches. We have always made an adventure of our situations, even if we lost a big match.”

He also plays first doubles with No. 1, Nickel. They have been friends since sixth grade, when Cowin arrived on campus. Even though Cowin and Nickel have practiced tennis together since eighth grade, this is the first year they have been partners.

“Bill is trust worthy, funny, loyal and smart,” Nickel said. “He is pretty much an all-around good guy. Bill is my best friend what more can I say?. This is our first year playing doubles together. Normally I am playing against Bill, but doubles is fine too. When we play together we are usually way too relaxed and just try to have fun with it.”

The Eagles are currently 2-0-0 overall and 1-0 in the Northwest Sierra League as of March 13.

“Bill contributes excitement to the sport, senior leadership and encouragement,” coach Robert Foshee said. “He has a positive attitude and is always willing to learn. He is also a determined player. Bill was one of the guys who wanted to make the tennis team happen again.”

Cowin hopes to attend either the United States Air Force Academy or West Point. He aspires to become a fighter jet pilot and either an electrical or civil engineer.

“I have always had an interest in a military career,” Cowin said. “I think a jet pilot not only would be fun, but is one of the safest military careers.”

In Cowin’s spare time he spends time with friends, as well as listens to various genres of music, with the occasion video game.

“I have a 9-year old brother, Dalton, an 11-year old brother, Eric, and a sister, Jackie (’10). I am the oldest out of the kids. My family and I enjoy watching movies together and play hearts on the kitchen table,” Cowin said. “I plan on playing tennis after high school whether it is on the college team, intramural team or in my spare time.”

The Eagles will next host Firebaugh, March 27, at 3:30 P.M. For more information on tennis and league updates check out the Boys’ tennis sport shorts, 2008.