Co-Student Athletes of the week: Ryan Zaprzal and Mitchell Perry

                Athletic accolades generally come after a few years of an athlete working their way onto the varsity and earning a starting position.  For freshmen Mitchell Perry and Ryan Zaprzal, they are managing to shatter those expectations as the #1 doubles team for Oswego East’s boys tennis, which is the reason why they are this week’s Student Athlete of the Week.

                Although young in age, and having only had experience as single players, Ryan and Mitch are quickly developing the team cohesion needed for success in doubles play.  “Both Ryan and Mitch have been playing tennis for quite a long time and they both understand how to play tennis, individually, now they are learning to play together as a team,” said head Coach Scott Gengler.  He goes onto say “They have great attitudes and real passion to learn and be successful.”

                Developing that relationship so quickly into their freshmen year is unusual for any group of athletes, but one Ryan and Mitch see as something about tennis they truly enjoy.  “We work really well together,” said Mitch, of his relationship with Ryan.  Ryan loves that tennis can be a “team sport,” as well as the general competition.

                With a current record of 2-1, and a victory over last year’s #1 doubles conference champ Plainfield Central, the sky truly is the limit for both Ryan and Mitch.  Despite their dynamic relationship as teammates, they are both unique individuals off the court.  Ryan enjoys Modern World History (Ryan’s least favorite), and Mitch prefers Language Arts, as well as French.  Despite prioritizing their enjoyment of classes differently, both Mitch and Ryan post G.P.A.’s over 3.0. 

                As far as their future, both Ryan and Mitch plan on attending college, but will have plenty of opportunity to shop around their talents with 3 years left in high school.  The potential for a scholarship is not out of the realm of possibilities, as Coach Gengler can see Mitch and Ryan “as being multiyear conference champs as well as multiyear state qualifiers.”

                Having only left junior high school one year ago, Mitch and Ryan can provide plenty of advice to current 8th grade future wolves.  Ryan advises future freshmen that “freshmen grades are really important; you want to set a precedent for 4 years.”  Mitchell’s advises all athletes to “be positive athletically, and always work hard.”  The Oswego East community will be keeping close eyes on Mitch and Ryan the next 4 years, ensuring they will not only grow as tennis players, but as men.