Wheeler freshman Hibbard already full of experience

Updated: September 20, 2011 10:20PM

In a fittingly odd way, the jesting and light-hearted trash talk from Jack Hibbard toward his Wheeler teammates shows strength.

It’s not exactly the case that Hibbard, a freshman who plays No. 3 singles, had to acclimate to the concept of being a member of the Bearcats. But more so, it was a matter of finally suiting up. After practicing with the guys since sixth grade, the underclassmen was stepping up to ranks of IHSAA tennis.

“He knows the routine, he knows what we expect from the kids, and he’s loosened up a little bit,” said fifth-year Bearcats coach Mike Rosta.

You see, in general the ideologies of tennis haven’t been much of a surprise for Hibbard. Starting at the age of two he took to the courts. At 14 years old he began USTA tourneys. And for two straight summers he’s fought his way, through the ranks in the annual Post-Tribune Tennis Classic, winning the 14-singles division in his first attempt. But the nuances in team-based matches are different from the tournaments and even from being a practice squad member. Hibbard seems to grasp it, though. 

“I take it one match at a time,” he said of his 16-0 record. “I’m not really worried about my record, I’m worried about our team’s record.”

After what could easily be considered a down year — the Bearcats went 7-5 overall and lost in the first round of the Portage Sectional, to the hosts — 2011 has seen a drastically different nucleus, especially in singles.

Former No. 1 singles player Alex Dials, who missed last year as an exchange student, returned to his post. Last year’s No. 1, Drew Heinold, shifted to No. 2 singles. And, of course, Hibbard entered as a seasoned player. The atmosphere was jubilant way before the first duals ever took place for the club that Rosta says is his most balanced to date. Just a season ago the Bearcats, a perennial powerhouse in the Greater South Shore Conference, have nearly doubled their wins with a 13-3 mark.

“It’s nice to know a little school like Wheeler has all of these great tennis guys and we can really be one of the great schools in the area,” Hibbard said.

Indeed, not only did the Bearcats sail through conference — winning both the title and the GSSC tourney — but the Class 2A program has proved to be a test for larger schools. On Sept. 7, Hibbard’s win was part of a 3-2 statement victory over Portage.

Helping fuel the cause is the Hibbard’s willingness to be coached.

In his first match of the campaign, facing Lake Central’s T.J. Ruzga, Hibbard won the first set 6-1. But in the next set, the score drew close with Hibbard leading 3-2. Rosta offered him some advice: “Hey, Jack, relax and go back to what you did.” Hibbard followed suit with a 6-2 finish.

“He’s starting to learn the things, he needs to do to add to his game,” Rosta said, referring to aspects such as slowing the tempo, moving an opponent around, improving his backhand and the net game.

With the season quickly fading, Hibbard and company will surely know more of their postseason chances after Wednesday’s match, the last dual of the season. They face Crown Point at home. The Bulldogs top the depth of the Duneland Conference and recently beat Wheeler — albeit a much different format at the Highland doubles invite — by three points.

However, to Hibbard, it’s another chance to show motivation.

“I think we would’ve already have been motivated coming into Crown Point,” he said of the match that could give him a perfect regular season tally.

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