While most spend the 110 degree Fresno summers indoors on the couch, senior Matt Nickel trained to enhance his tennis talent, in hope for being No. 1.

?I was absolutely terrible when I first started,? Nickel said. ?I?ve found, since then, that tennis is not so much hitting a ball with a stick, but is made up of endurance, patience, intentional footwork and calculated shots.?

With his attention split between the leadership committee and California Scholarship Federation, not to mention enduring a setback from an early-season knee injury, extracurricular activities and academics, Nickel continues to hold the top-ranking seed on the team.

?For the school?s league, the competition is strange,? Nickel said, ?because no one is serious about tennis and they all have really odd form which allows them to hit the ball in awkward ways that can be difficult to play against.?

Varsity coach Robert Foshee commends Nickel for his contribution to the team and recognizes his serve as a potent factor for his success on the court.

?Matt brings leadership and experience to the team,? Foshee said. ?He has played a lot of tennis and understands the game as his major strengths are his strong serve and an understanding of strategy for the game.?

While more often than not his serve gives him an advantage against opponents, he cringes at the thought of losing sight of his intended target.

?The funniest moment on the court that I can remember was when I hit myself in the crotch while practicing serves with Bill Cowin (’08) sophomore year,? Nickel said. ?As far as tennis memories go, some of the best ones have been playing doubles with Bill throughout this past season.?

Foshee accredits Nickel?s talent to his resilience against the elements, opponents and even recalls a comeback of Nickel?s against Riverdale.

?In Matt?s match he wasn?t feeling good after eating too much paella with Spanish class during lunch,? Foshee said. ?Despite his struggle, he fought back when he was behind 5-7 and ended winning in a tie breaker.?

With his schedule filled with responsibilities almost any senior can expect, Nickel rarely finds time for other hobbies, though hopes to one day complete the restoration of his California Bug with his father?s help.

?I don?t really have time for hobbies,? Nickel said. ?When I do have time for them, though, I like working on my ?69 Volkswagen Bug with my dad.?

With all but graduation out of the way, Nickel looks forward to college life at Gordon University in Wenham Massachusetts.

?I visited last week and it was the best college visit I?ve ever had,? Nickel said. ?The atmosphere there is awesome and there are many great career and internships opportunities available in Boston.?

Despite remaining undecided as to the correct career path for him to pursue.

?In college I am looking forward to the new friendships I will make and also dorm life,? Nickel said. ?In 20 years, I would like to be settled into a career and definitely have a family.?

Until graduation, Nickel will spend time studying for finals and hopes to maintain his personal record.

Currently, FC is 4-4-0 overall and 1-4 in the Northwest Sierra League as of April 24. The boys will next host the Fowler Redcats, April 29.