A Ode to the Victors: 2016 National Championship Poem

When in May, the D3 tennis world is at it’s end,
Some have joy while others heart’s need to mend.
This post season brought us many a thrill,
Tests of courage, talent, and young men’s will.

It all began with the journey of one team,
Behind 3-0, an exit in the quarters it seemed.
Backs against the wall, the Polar Bears made a run,
A comeback victory made sure they were not done.
A match versus Emory was waiting in the semi,
The Eagles fight made this match no gimme.
The war that ensued was quite the show,
Another 5-4 win and on the finals they go.
In the final a conference rival they were to meet,
But on this day, one team was just too good to beat.
A sweep in doubles and a couple singles wins,
Your national champions are from BOWDOIN!

On to the individual tourney is where we went,
This is where the best of each region are sent.
Battle after battle, two warriors rose to the peak,
The ultimate glory that they each would seek.
A Stag and a Hornet would play for the crown,
With the stands full in front of the entire town.
The Stag had been this far once before,
Falling short last year, but now he wanted more.
The Hornet made the most improbable run,
What a story it would have been if he would have won.
But on this day, it would take more than guts,
Congrats to the champion, CMS’s Skyler Butts.

Let us not forget the match of two vs two,
A test of serves, returns, and volleys at the Zoo.
The semi-finalist team that fell just off the pace,
Great season to Louie and CJ from Case.
Another team that looked to be the best,
Good job to Ben Foran and Matt Heinrich, the resident pest.
A doubles power house team would make you worry,
A final reached for Derbani and Campbell from Middlebury.
On the other side there was a team that was not done,
Representing the Central was the duo from Kenyon.
The Lord senior players looked good and found their way,
Congratulations Sam Geier and Tristan Kaye!

What an incredible journey the boys have made,
For the love of the game and not getting paid.
D3 Tennis will always be close to our heart,
I cannot wait for the next season to start.