Williamstown senior Tyler Fenton (seated center) officially decided on Friday to continue his tennis career at Baldwin Wallace University. Pictured with Tyler Fenton are his parents David and Jennifer Fenton in the front row. In the back row, from left, are my grandparents, George and Nancy Fenton, and Sue and Dave McCue. (Photo courtesy of Kelly Patrick)
WILLIAMSTOWN — When Tyler Fenton entered his freshman year at Williamstown High School, he wasn't sure how tennis fit into society, but he quickly discovered a passion for the sport.
Now a senior, he joins teammate Austin Vosgraf on one of the most potent doubles teams in the state.
On Friday afternoon, in the lobby of her high school gymnasium, Fenton was surrounded by friends and family as she officially selected Baldwin Wallace University in Bellaire, Ohio, as her destination to continue her tennis career.
“As a freshman, I had no idea what was going to happen. Tennis wasn't my favorite sport in high school.” Fenton admitted. “But it continued to grow for me. Now that's what I do every day. I play tennis. It became a big part of my life.”
Baldwin-Wallace was the first school Fenton toured. He ended up visiting several other schools, but at Baldwin Wallace, the coaching staff's emphasis on family as well as tennis left a lasting impression on him.
“I made another visit to meet all the tennis teams, coaches and players. It was really fun to actually hit with them.” Fenton looks back. “Coaches really like to make it feel like a family atmosphere with the team. That's what really stuck with me. How close the team was was also a big factor.”
Fenton, who has a 4.2 grade point average, plans to major in sports management.
“My ultimate goal is to become a college athletic director, although it won't happen immediately after college.” Fenton said. “Baldwin Wallace is in Cleveland and has many great internship opportunities in the sports management field with all professional teams.
“At Baldwin Wallace, I have to do an internship as part of the program, so I’m really excited about that part.”
Fenton's resume as a member of Williamstown's tennis program includes being part of two state championship teams and finishing runner-up last season. She individually won a state title in her freshman year by placing third in singles and second in doubles. He also won the second place championship in doubles as a sophomore.
Last season, when the format of the state tournament changed, Fenton and Vosgraf won the doubles state title.
“Austin and I are best friends on and off the court.” Fenton said. “I couldn't have asked for more in a doubles partner. He's definitely much better than me, but he's helped me a lot.”
Fenton's high school coaching staff (head coach Diane Leo and assistant coach Dave Leo) have praised Fenton's progress since they first worked together at the middle school level. Dave Leo pointed to Fenton's reaction speed and memory as big strengths.
“Tyler's ability at the net is amazing.” Diana Leo said. “As far as him and Austin, we know what each other is going to do.”
