Will Lammons has struggled to find ways to please his head coaches, but given the way he’s played in both of his fall sports this season, neither coach has real reason to complain.
The senior at Durango High School has split time at the Nos. 1 and 2 singles position in tennis this season and has also started every game as a center back defender on the soccer team. He will have two major tests this week when the Demons (9-1, 4-0 5A/4A Southwestern League), the third-ranked team in Class 4A in the Colorado High School Activities Association Class 4A boys soccer poll, will take on rival Montrose on Saturday afternoon at DHS. All the while, he will prepare for tennis regionals to be held Oct. 3. At regionals, he will try to qualify for the state tournament for the first time.
Lammons did not try out for the tennis team last season because of soccer commitments but was able to make time for both of his passions this year.
“It was harder than anticipated initially because, last year, we had soccer practice every day at 6:30 (p.m.), and this year, we’re doing it three days a week at 4 and two days a week at 6,” Lammons said. “So, I’m only able to go to tennis practice two days a week, so it makes it difficult when everybody else is practicing every day and I’m only practicing two days a week. It’s also difficult because I also feel that I can never make either coach completely happy.”
In order to prepare for the regional tennis meet, Lammons said he will have to get creative and practice on his own time because of time commitments.
“I feel like there’s a lot of work to be done as far as reps,” Lammons said. “I just have to go out this next week and hit as many as possible.”
Tennis head coach Alan Batiste said Lammons has the ability to surprise more than a few of his potential opponents at regionals.
“He’s been a good asset to our team,” Batiste said. “I’ve known Will for four years now, and I’ve had him in class. We have a good relationship, and I’m just glad that he’s out here with us. Him coming back and being able to manage soccer and tennis is a good thing. I think he can make some noise for us heading into the regional, and I am looking forward to see if he can make it to state.”
Lammons, son of Ben and Jasmine, has proven how valuable an asset he can be. Off the pitch and court, Lammons is vice president of student council. The valuable team asset held true last weekend as well when Lammons won at the No. 2 singles slot against Grand Junction Central in straight sets, 6-1, 6-3. When he has been able to travel with the team, he has switched off at the No. 1 singles spot with Ethan Craig. He then went to the soccer field, where the team earned a 1-0 win against Fruita Monument for the Demons’ fifth consecutive win.
Demons head soccer coach Aaron Champenoy said Lammons has been a key cog on defense and has led with his play on the pitch.
“I think with Will, there is sort of a quiet consistency, and I think sometimes he flies under the radar because you know what you’re going to get with him on a daily basis with training and games,” Champenoy said. “He’s just a very consistent competitor. It’s not always the most flashy or eye-catching, but he’s always doing his job.”
Lammons has had high expectations for more than just tennis. He believes that, with the chemistry his fellow seniors on the soccer team have, the Demons can make a deep run in the state tournament.
“We have a lot of seniors, and we’ve been playing with each other for so many years, so we know how each other plays,” Lammons said. “We can work well together. If we can continue to perform well, we can go into the playoffs pretty far, which would be great for a senior season. I think it’s all what we’re really focused on, as a senior class, and we’re all on the same page about that. It’d be nice to see that fulfilled.”
bploen@durangoherald.com
Behind the Scenes
What is your favorite sports movie?:
“Space Jam”
What is your favorite pre- or post-game meal?:
I just like anything pasta related like chicken alfredo.
Who is your favorite artist?:
Bruno Mars
What is your dream car?:
A white Mercedes-Benz.
If you could have any superpower, what would you pick?:
Teleportation because you can just travel anywhere and not have to pay for flights.
If you could take a trip anywhere in the world, where would you go?:
Probably Greece
What is your favorite outdoor activity?:
I like hiking Ice Lakes.
What teacher has had the greatest impact on you?:
My student council advisor, Dale Garland. I’ve gotten to work with him for three years, so we’ve gotten closer than your average teacher.
What is your favorite childhood book?:
“Amaryllis” by Craig Crist-Evans.
Who is your favorite athlete?:
I really like Venus Williams just because of the way she hits.
Who is your role model?:
My mom; she’s really resilient and strong.
