Hi Girls,

Here's the notes from today's meeting:  

Checklist of things you need to do ASAP(you can't participate without these things):
1.  Sign up for the team by clicking the button on the top of the homepage.  
2.  Get your Panther Card from the office.  Here's how you do that:
       Step 1: Go to office sometime between 9am and 4pm.  
       Step 2: Verify with Mrs. Dykema that you have your physical on file or bring it with you. 
       Step 3: Bring $45 for insurance (if a check, write it out to West Ottawa Athletics).
       Step 4: Ask Mrs. Dykema to verify your grades.  
       Step 5: Leave with your Panther Card.  

Places to find information:  
1.  Start of Season Info
2.  Varsity Calendar/Schedule
​3.  JV Girls Tennis Info:  Go to "GIRLS JV" tab (above), then click on "Start of Season Info"

Will we practice INDOORS at MVP or OUTDOORS at the HS North for the first couple weeks?: This is the question I get most each year in the Spring.  The only true answer I can give you is this: Be prepared for either, check your email and wotennis.com daily for the first couple weeks to know where we will be:)  Here are the guidelines I use to make the decision each day:  

• If it's likely to be wet/snowy, we will be at MVP.  
• If about 42 degrees OR MORE and decent conditions, I'll likely decide to go outside.  If less, inside.  
• If it's super windy and/or cloudy, I might decide we have to bump the temp up a couple more degrees before going outside.  If it's a calm sunny day, then I might say we will go outside at 41 degrees.  (I'm just saying this to show that it's not always a clear cut decision, I have to use my judgement, so be watching for emails/website posts daily.)

CLICK HERE FOR THE 2018 CALENDAR

As always, be flexible, because a change or two usually happens.  That said, a full schedule is set, and it probably gives us the most matches of any girls season.  It's definitely the most challenging schedule West Ottawa Women's tennis has ever played.  

Overnight Trips: As I mentioned at last year's banquet, I wanted to contact as many D1 ranked teams as possible.  We have been invited Northville and Grosse Pointe South, and will do overnight trips for each.  And obviously we hope to travel to Midland for the State Finals.  

Strong Local Competition: I believe we have all of the strongest local teams on the schedule: Forest Hills Northern, Forest Hills Eastern, Forest Hills Central, East Grand Rapids, and Grand Rapids Christian.  

Prom: No tournament on Prom this year, woo hoo!!!!!

I'm excited:)

Dear West Ottawa Tennis Community,

My name is Brian Metz. I have had the privilege of working within the West Ottawa Tennis program for the last 4 years. During that time I’ve held a variety of roles and have gotten to know many of you. These past 4 years have been absolutely wonderful. Coaching is something that I enjoy immensely and am very fortunate to be able to continue to coach for the West Ottawa Tennis program going forward.

I wanted to let you all know that I have been offered and accepted the Varsity Boys Tennis position starting immediately. Being a varsity coach is something that I’ve wanted to do for a long time and am so thankful I get to do it for the district I teach in. West Ottawa is my home and I couldn’t be happier to be the Varsity Boys Coach going forward.

There are a few people that I would like to personally thank as they are the ones that made this possible.
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I want to thank Mr. Marsman for giving me the opportunity to lead the boys program. The West Ottawa Boys Tennis Team has a legacy of excellence that I want continue for a very long time. Mr. Marsman has been integral to my growth as a coach and person. We are truly lucky to have Mr. Marsman as our Athletic Director and I am excited to continue to work for him.

I want to thank Coach Schwallier for making me the coach I am today. Without him, it would simply not be possible for me to be a varsity coach. I have learned more about coaching and leading a successful program from him than he will ever know. His daily example has been the blueprint for the coach I strive to be. I wish him nothing but the best as he continues to coach the girls program and I look forward to working closely with him for years to come as I now lead the boys program. He has set us up for success and put us in a great position going forward.

I want to thank my wife. Without her love and support, I would not be able to coach. I am extremely lucky to have her in my life. She sacrifices a great deal so can follow my dreams and for that I can never thank her enough. She is my best friend and continues to push me to be the very best person I can be. She is an amazing person and she is very excited for us to begin this journey with the boy’s program.

Lastly, I want to thank all of the players and families I have had the privilege to work with over the past four years. You all are the reason I continue to coach. I love what I do and being able to work with the players we have is something I am very thankful for. We have wonderful families involved in the tennis program. You all make countless sacrifices for the success we experience. Thank you for all you do.

I am excited to working with all of you going forward. We will continue to work together, work hard, and have a lot of fun doing it. If you have questions or there is anything I can help you with in regards to the boys tennis program, I can be reached by email at metzb@westottawa.net or you can call me at 616-334-5451.
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Thanks again,

-Coach Metz

WE ARE WO - Well, I turned on the announcements today and I saw this video.  It's pretty awesome, so I thought I'd share it to the West Ottawa tennis community.  Click ahead to 2:30 for when the part about Kennedy begins.  A special thanks to WOBN for putting this out.  

THANKS ANIKA - Anika Seguin is a writer for the West Ottawan.  A week ago she came to my classroom and interviewed me about the coaching transition.  Click Here to read her article.  If you already read the previous post below on the topic, it will include some of the same information.  The main difference is that Anika is a more talented writer than me, so you'll likely enjoy reading her account a little more:)  Thank you Anika!