CIAC extends format for state tourneys

CHESHIRE — A format in 2021 that saw boys’ tennis replicate girls’ tennis with team tournaments in four divisions, and adding an Invitational to replace the State Open, has been continued for another year by the CIAC Boys Tennis Committee.

“It was the brainchild of our tennis committee a year ago,” said Jim Solomon, a coach at Hall for 47 years and a member of the committee. “We went with the girls’ format at states for the boys as well. There are still mixed reviews. Some like it, some don’t. We’ve had surveys over the years, each time it comes out almost 3-to-1 in favor of the former format that we were using with individuals deciding class tournaments. We decided if we are going to do this , let’s do it two years and then evaluate.”

The Class LL, L, M and S tournaments for boys and girls will be a team vs. team single elimination event, where teams are paired according to their records. Each division will recognize a team champion and runner-up. The former boys’ state tournaments saw fields of 64 singles and doubles players compete.

Solomon said: “COVID is still an issue. When the committee made the decision, we didn’t have the four big sites needed. Yale isn’t available. When you do tournaments like we used to do, you need places with three groups of courts nearby.

“The boys’ and girls’ finals this year will go all day at Wesleyan University ( June

3), with the Invitational to follow the next week ( June 10),” he added. “We’ll do Class S boys and girls, Class M boys and girls…it will be a real celebration of both genders highlighting our best tennis.”

John Keogh (chairman), Steve Jasulavic (Southington), Gary Meunier (Weston), Ben Young (New Canaan), Dave Maloney (Manchester), Jeff Roets (Wethersfield), Solomon, and Ryan Healey (East Catholic) are coaches and site directors who contributed to the decision.

Healey, a coach at East Catholic for 19 years, didn’t cast a dissenting vote but still favors the former format.

“I prefer our traditional format that has the two fields of 64 singles and double draw for the state tournament. It is truer to the sport of tennis,” Healey said. “But I feel that in this time of COVID it is important to continue to compete in a safe manner. The team format and Invitational has filled in just fine.”

Kris Hrisovulos coaches a Staples’ boys’ team that has succeeded in both setups, having won or shared (Greenwich 2016) five consecutive LL titles.

“I think from an excitement, involvement for the players the old format was more conducive to that. I think it was a better experience,” Hrisovulos said. “Now you play the first round as a team and if you lose your season is done and you go home. That was your experience. This (format) comes down to better seeds and c`est la vie (that’s life). You don’t get the jamboree feel, you don’t get to compete against individuals from other areas.

“Before team nots contending for a state title still get to be involved. Individual kids could win a round or two. Everyone is at the same site. It is exciting. Teammates can come and cheer you. It gives the player that energy and experience.”

The Invitational will expand to 48 singles players and 24 doubles teams.

“I would call it one of the best season-ending tournaments we have had,” Solomon said. “Of the 32 spots in singles, 31 players came and 24 filled out the field. We had 16 doubles team accept and 12 played. That is better than most of our State Opens. Because of dedicated efforts by the committee we reach out to all corners of the state. We were clear that we needed representation from all areas and divisions.”

Healey said: “The Invitational was an incredible tournament of the best players in the state. We had a better turnout (of players). We guess that was because they didn’t get to compete against individuals in their divisions. It was exceptional tennis from start to finish. I think we will have another incredible tournament that week after states.”