Lions take TVL tennis title
Oaks Christian boys ranked sixth in Division III
By Stephen Dorman sdorman@theacorn.com

The Oaks Christian boys' tennis team has wrapped up its third Tri-Valley League championship in the past four seasons, and for the first time in program history, the Lions are back-to-back league title winners.

Entering Wednesday's TVL regular-season finale against Oak Park High, OCHS was 150 overall and 13-0 in league.

"To me, this is the epitome of why I came here," said Steve Abraham, who's in his eighth year as OCHS head coach.

"To win it back-to-back, it means we're turning over kids and bringing kids in, and it's working, the program is working."

With the playoffs looming next month, Oaks Christian was ranked sixth in the latest CIFSouthern Section Division III coaches' poll.

Abraham said that although his team isn't favored to win a CIF title- powerhouse programs such as Beverly Hills, Brentwood and Campbell Hall still rule the division- the Lions will be a tough out, no matter who they face.

Oaks Christian has never won a CIF championship in boys' tennis.

"No one is going to want to play us, especially when they see our record," Abraham said. "We have the ability to upset some teams."

Sophomore Sean Levesque has been Oaks Christian's top singles player this year, compiling a 33-1 record prior to Wednesday's match.

"Levesque is probably the most intelligent singles player I've ever had," Abraham said. "He's very subtle. He's not a showoff and he doesn't yell, but he takes care of his business out on the court."

Freshman Jack Sanford has excelled as the Lions' No. 2 singles player.

Levesque and Sanford "are like Batman and Robin- it's amazing," Abraham said.

Having lost only one set in two and a half years competing together, seniors Eric Hawkins and Michael Lee anchor Oaks Christian's doubles play.

"They're not tall guys, both are about 5-foot-7, but they get all over the court," Abraham said of Hawkins and Lee. "They really can hustle."

Abraham said junior Cody Goodman has been one of the Lions' most valuable players. Because of his hard work, dedication and versatility, the coach made Goodman a team captain this season.

"He's probably the most improved player I've ever had from one year to the next," Abraham said of Goodman.

Goodman plays both doubles and singles. His doubles partner is junior Chris Grasmick.

"Goodman has made (Grasmick) a better tennis player," Abraham said.