Kurt Chiong is looking to lead the Manheim Township boys tennis team to a repeat of the Lancaster-Lebanon League Championship the team won last year.
"We have a new coach (Shane Holbein). We really like him. Our practices have been physically intense," Chiong said at the Spring Sports Media Day hosted by LNP | LancasterOnline.
Chiong had a shoulder injury derail his own playoff run in the District 3 tournament. He's looking to be the Blue Streaks top singles player this year, but he's getting plenty of competition from teammates, "They're right behind me and improving and they push me to keep improving. We are all close friends."
Chiong says his dad inspired him to take up a racket and compete in a number of sports. "I've played since I was 7 or 8. I played four sports at times, but I really like tennis," Chiong says.
Chiong explained what he likes about tennis. "I love to compete and enjoy the format, best two out of three sets. it's very much a mental game as well as physical. I try to focus on one thing and block everything else out," he added.
His favorite player is Rafael Nadal, the retired champion from Spain. "I try to play a similar style from the baseline, use topspin on shots," Chiong said.
Chiong says a favorite moment came during his sophomore year when the team pulled off an upset win on a rainy day at the state tournament. He hopes the Streaks will make more memories as they try to defend their league crown.
