He didn't just win his first round, he did it decisively.
Bayfield's Fred Edwards started competition yesterday at the Class 4A Boys Tennis State Championships for the third time in the three years he's been a high school student.
He beat Tony Klagge, a sophomore from Thompson Valley High School in Loveland, 6-0, 6-0 and advanced to quarterfinal action yesterday against Casey Ross of Kent Denver.
Representing Durango High School because Bayfield doesn't have a team, Edwards breezed through the Class 4A Region 8 tournament in the No. 1 singles spot with a 6-0, 6-1 semifinal win and a 6-1, 6-3 final to punch his ticket back to Pueblo.
"I was just going for it. I feel like I know my game a bit better now than I did last year," said Edwards, son of Paul and Vivian Edwards. "I don't like to play conservative and dink it around. I like to hit it hard, so I might make a few more mistakes than some people but I definitely hit more winners than they do. I just want to get a win there. Any win at state is good."
Edwards has a lot on his side this time around. He has two years of experience on the big stage. As a Western Slope player, he comes in slightly under the radar as his opponents haven't seen much of him. Edwards is assisted in his third try at state by some serious tennis genes.
His mother, Vivian, is a United States Professional Tennis Association certified professional. His older sister, Eva-Lou, was quite the tennis player before she became a six-time state champion in track and cross country at BHS. His younger sister Mavis is already making a name for herself on the tennis and volleyball courts at the middle school level.
Dad Paul Edwards, himself a top tennis player, worked at developing his son's game and getting him to the tournaments.
"That's a heck of a talented family, and that competitiveness combined with the natural talent he has gives him a huge leg up," Durango head coach Dave Weisfeldt said. "He always has someone to practice with and they can give him instant feedback because they know the game so well. He has so many weapons that he can play any style. When you add in the maturity, you get someone who has acquired all the tools to be successful."
Successful he has been.
Edwards lost one match this year and that came at the hands of Class 5A Grand Junction's No. 1 player.
A year ago, Edwards was a last-minute replacement at the state tournament. He made the trip to Pueblo the night before play began, but he made his presence felt by winning his opening match.
This year, Edwards left no question he would be at state, dominating his opponents all season.
"It's rare that we see this kind of player," Weisfeldt said. "Anything can happen in these tournaments."
Vivian Edwards said the state tournament is a different level of play. Many of the Front Range competitors play year-round and have access to coaches and academies that doesn't exist here.
jfries@durangoherald.com
Behind the scenes
Who is your favorite athlete?: James Harden
What is your favorite sports movie?: Better Off Dead
What is your favorite outdoor activity?: Fly-fishing
Where is the worst place you've ever played a match?: There are these courts in Las Vegas that are next to an abandoned apartment complex. It looks like the building burned down and there's glass on the courts and a lot of people hanging out in the abandoned building. It's kind of scary.
What is your nickname?: Fredwards or Fred-Dilly
What place would you Most like to visit?: I 've always wanted to go to the California coast and see the ocean.
What song gets stuck in your head a lot?: No Role Modelz by J. Cole
What is your favorite book?: Forgotten Fire. It's a story about the Armenian Genocide which was a terrible thing that happened and not a lot of people even realize that it happened.
What teacher has had the most impact in your life?: Gerald Brush. He's a mentor teacher at Bayfield, and he's been really supportive for me and all my sports stuff.
Who is the best tennis player in your family?: My mom, but don't tell her that.
