By Sean Reider / Journal Staff Writer
As the sun set on another season, the loudspeaker at Jerry Cline Tennis Center crackled to life and for another year, the most dominant sound in New Mexico high school sports casually warbled over the courts:
”… Congratulations, Albuquerque Academy Chargers …”
Not much else needed to be said. Academy’s boys tennis locked up it’s 22nd-straight Class 1A-4A title Saturday at Jerry Cline Tennis Center, downing Santa Fe Prep 5-2 to continue a streak that’s grown older than any player on the roster.
Battling a motivated Griffins team, Academy head coach Tim Cass said he thought the Chargers’ doubles sweep “took the wind out” of Santa Fe Prep’s sails, clearing a path for Academy’s 27th overall team title and Cass’ second at the helm.
“Candidly, I thought we were the most favored at No. 1 doubles of any position, and that was the toughest one we had,” the former New Mexico tennis coach said. “I was proud of the two and three doubles (teams) … I think they believed in themselves and I think that helped us control the momentum of the match.”
When does Cass start to think about 28?
“Maybe give this a chance to just settle in,” he said with a smile. “There’s a new team every year, so I’m not sure who will be part of it next year.”
“Whenever they’re ready to think about it, I’ll be ready to think about it.”
Academy’s girls were not to be outdone, however. In a rematch of last year’s weather-delayed final, the top-seeded Chargers claimed their sixth-straight 1A-4A title with a 5-1 win over Robertson.
After “miraculously” sweeping all doubles matches against the Cardinals last season, head coach Amy Badger said she thought her team was more motivated this year to ensure they weren’t put back in that position.
“It’s always a battle,” Badger said. “Robertson is just a fabulous team, and they come to play — they come to fight. We have to do our part in that, too, we gotta work hard, because I know they’re not gonna give us anything.”
