The junior is the favorite at the district tournament because of his self-reliant attitude.
By JEFF BERLINICKE
Published April 18, 2004
Gregg Strange has a simple philosophy: If you want something done right, do it yourself.
The Mitchell junior is one of the top players in the state, but he chose to play tennis only after trying a variety of team sports. Being part of a team and not being able to control the outcome didn't appeal to Strange, so he took up tennis.
"I don't like to rely on other people," Strange said. "Nothing ever gets done the way it is supposed to get done, so you have to do it yourself. Plus, there's too much politics in other sports. You have to be on the right team, know the right people, make sure your parents know the coach. It's just easier in tennis."
He has been getting it done on his own. He'll be a favorite in the district tournament, which begins Monday at River Ridge. His main competition is archrival Vu-Anh Thai of Land O'Lakes. The two met twice this season with Strange winning both matches, but they weren't easy. He won the first match in a tiebreaker, and it took three sets, including a 7-5 win in the third, to win the second meeting. They are rivals who often practice together.
Strange has put together an impressive list of credentials considering he started at 13 years old, an age when most of his peers were competing on much higher levels. Once he started, he went on a roll that has led to his success today.
His serve has reached 111 mph, not Andy Roddick-type speed but impressive on the high school level, and a forehand that is one of the best in the state. His backhand needs work, Strange said, but he brings another element to the court that most of his opponents lack: Strange knows how to get into the minds of his competition and can frustrate as well as dominate.
"I like to stay at the baseline and just run them down." Strange said. "I try to run them off the court. I like to keep them running. Whoever is strongest mentally is the most important thing."
It is the spin with which Strange hits the ball that baffles his opponents. He can pound the ball, but he always manages to put more topspin on his shots than his opponents are used to.
"I have a pretty unique game," Strange said. "A lot of people hit it flat and play defensively. I put a lot of spin in everything, not just a little. Most players haven't seen anything like it before."
Strange admitted he has had problems with the mental part of the game. His temper often has gotten the best of him. As a freshman, Strange said he was getting a reputation.
"I was obnoxious and I didn't care if anyone knew it," Strange said. "I'd always be butting heads with my coaches, and I've thrown a lot of rackets, so many that I can't even count. I was always fighting, and that's because I can't stand losing."
Now Strange is working with a new coach, Collin Hill, a former professional. He's been with Hill for two weeks but said the experience of playing with a no-nonsense coach has meant a great deal.
"He won't put up with my attitude," Strange said. "He'll just leave and tell me to go on and play. I've never had a coach like that."
The new attitude has him on track for another run at the state championship. Last season, he reached the semifinals but admitted he didn't play his best tennis that day. He said nothing less than a return trip to the semifinals would be acceptable, but first he has to get through districts.
Tennis isn't the only sport at which Strange excels. He is a champion diver, winning the conference last season and finishing second in districts, but tennis is his main interest. His goal is to earn a tennis scholarship, but he wouldn't mind diving at in college as well.
Whatever happens at districts next week, one thing is for sure. Strange will have no one to congratulate, or blame, but himself.
