Jack Ledford '18 at the State Tennis Tournament
Source/Author: Coach Bob Davis
May 03, 2018
Jack Ledford '18 represented Shorecrest and the Chargers well at the FHSAA 1A State Individual Tennis Championships on Monday, April 30th in his usual highly competitive and good sportsmanship manner. This four-sport athlete won the District Championship and as a result participated in the state championships at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs, Florida.
Jack cruised through the first round against, M. Eddins a capable opponent from Pensacola Christian, 6-1, 6-1. In the quarterfinal round, the draw pit Ledford against the number 2 seeded player, M. Mendez, an experienced USTA tournament player from Calvary Christian (Ft. Lauderdale). Mendez won 6-0, 6-4 but not until Ledford had him very worried in the second set. Ledford led in the second set at 4-3 on serve but Mendez held to tie at 4-4 then broke Ledford on his next serve to go ahead, 5-4 and serve out the match at 6-4.
In speaking with Coach Davis after the match, Ledford said that when he was in the second set he felt he played better than he did in the first set but was just a little off on executing some of his shots. Nevertheless, Ledford battled hard for every point and proudly represented the Chargers like the champion he is.
In addition to playing three other sports, Jack focused hard this year on his tennis game and this prepared him to advance in post-season competition to Districts and to the State championships. This is the kind of hard work and commitment that is necessary to build a strong program and to compete at the higher levels in the sport.
Coach Davis complemented the Charger saying, "Jack Ledford has left a tremendous legacy of a true sportsman, a player who has excelled in four sports and who improved throughout his high school career. I know I will talk about him to other players in the future. He was a pleasure to coach for three years."
Jack cruised through the first round against, M. Eddins a capable opponent from Pensacola Christian, 6-1, 6-1. In the quarterfinal round, the draw pit Ledford against the number 2 seeded player, M. Mendez, an experienced USTA tournament player from Calvary Christian (Ft. Lauderdale). Mendez won 6-0, 6-4 but not until Ledford had him very worried in the second set. Ledford led in the second set at 4-3 on serve but Mendez held to tie at 4-4 then broke Ledford on his next serve to go ahead, 5-4 and serve out the match at 6-4.
In speaking with Coach Davis after the match, Ledford said that when he was in the second set he felt he played better than he did in the first set but was just a little off on executing some of his shots. Nevertheless, Ledford battled hard for every point and proudly represented the Chargers like the champion he is.
In addition to playing three other sports, Jack focused hard this year on his tennis game and this prepared him to advance in post-season competition to Districts and to the State championships. This is the kind of hard work and commitment that is necessary to build a strong program and to compete at the higher levels in the sport.
Coach Davis complemented the Charger saying, "Jack Ledford has left a tremendous legacy of a true sportsman, a player who has excelled in four sports and who improved throughout his high school career. I know I will talk about him to other players in the future. He was a pleasure to coach for three years."
