Clark boasts 1st state tennis player in Bak

HYDE PARK – A groundbreaking season by one individual could alter the course of an entire program’s future. Junior Chris Bak became the first student-athlete from Clark Montessori to qualify for the state tennis tournament.

Hopefully, his success will create opportunities for Bak to practice against teammates in 2015. His accomplishments in 2014 are made even more remarkable by the fact he is the Clark tennis team. He trains at Harper’s Pointe with trainer Donnie Jackson and had the assistance this year of Clark tennis coach Dan Furlong. But, Bak was unable to practice against teammates or play many matches against high school competition during the regular season. Bak overcame these obstacles and advanced to the state tournament.

“Chris has singlehandedly put tennis back on the map at Clark,” Cougars athletic director Aaron Zupka said. “With the success Chris has experienced in the tournament, there is a buzz around school.”

At the Division II Southwest District meet on May 22 in Mason, Bak rallied for huge comebacks in the first and third sets of his opening match, then dominated his second match to qualify for state. He placed fourth in the district, after also placing fourth in the sectional tournament.

“It was kind of unexpected,” said Bak. “I didn’t really expect to make it this far.”

The hope around Clark is that Bak’s performance will encourage other young athletes to give tennis a try next spring. Zupka hired Furlong this season with the goal of jump-starting the Cougars tennis program. While the efforts to recruit more players to come out fell short, Bak’s talent still gave the Cougars a chance to make some noise in the postseason. He was the de facto No. 1 player for Clark, but has enough ability to be the No. 1 player in many varsity lineups.

“He is just a great kid, does everything the right way, and does not make excuses,” Zupka said. “He has represented Clark well and we are all very proud of him.”

The significance of his achievement had not yet fully sunk in as he prepared for his opening match at the state tournament in Columbus on May 30. Bak lost in straight sets to Poland Seminary’s Garrett Gardner, but will now have time to appreciate what this season means not just to him, but to the whole Cougars athletic department.

“Being the first one to make it (to state) really means a lot to me,” Bak said. “Once the tournament’s over, I’ll probably realize the history part of it even more.”

Bak’s ability to push himself without the additional motivation of any teammates is a testament to his focus and determination.

“I think he realized that most kids dream about having the opportunity to make it to state in any sport,” Zupka said. “Now he actually gets to live this dream and make the most of it.”

Clark had not fielded a tennis team in years. Now, others should be eager to join Bak as he embarks on a return trip to the state tournament. In the offseason, Bak will shift his focus to rowing for the Clermont Crew and continuing to work toward completing his Eagle Scout project. He knows that he will no longer be flying under the radar next tennis season.

“I think I set the bar high this year,” said Bak. “I’ll have to follow it up with an even better year next year.”