Bush built for state tourney success
Stevenson senior’s conditioning, style of play could set him apart from the field in finals
Stevenson’s Jeremy Bush has paid his dues.
Ten months after taking third place at the IHSA state finals, the senior is ready to claim the big prize this season: a state title.
“I think this is my year,” Bush said. “There’s a lot of really good players, but I think I’m playing really well, and when state comes around, I’ll be at the top of my game.”
The road will not be easy. Hinsdale Central’s Martin Joyce is gunning for the title after a phenomenal freshman season that saw him lose to Bush 6-2, 7-6 (3) in the thirdplace match.
“I think Martin will definitely be a big challenge,” said the 5-9 Bush. “He just plays really big tennis. You have to neutralize his serve and you have to play very consistent. Every other shot he hits is a great shot.”
There will be other challengers as well. Waubonsie Valley’s Eric Marbach returns to the high school circuit after not playing the last two years. Other dangerous contenders include Deerfield’s Toby Ma, Lake Forest’s Peter Tarwid and New Trier’s Alex Galoustian.
Bush is hoping all the hard work he’s put in on the court and in the gym will help fend off those foes.
“In the past few months I went to work even more on my fitness to be in great shape for state,” he said. “It’s a brutal tournament and I want to play my hardest every single game.”
Bush’s style of grind-it-out tennis has paid dividends in the past. In each of the last three seasons he’s been able to outdo his seed at the state tournament.
“He may lose a few matches here and there throughout the season, but because of his style of play and the way he takes care of his body, he finds a lot of success in the multiday, multi-match tournaments,” Stevenson coach Tom Stanhope said. “By the time you get to the third day of state, all the players are good. But what can set apart state champions is their physical stamina.”
When’s he’s not hitting backhands, Bush is hitting the books. He has a 4.3 GPA and plans on attending Washington University in St. Louis where he’ll also play tennis next year.
“I’m very serious about academics,” Bush said. “I want to go to medical school and be a doctor.”