Iola tennis coach Dan Berg, Isaiah Fawson’s Mustang teammates, and Isaiah himself were all not quite sure what to expect out of Fawson as he took the court with his team for their first event of the season.
“Isaiah wasn’t expecting to do much today,” Fawson’s teammate Colby Work said.
The junior has only been able to attend two of the Mustang practices this season, due to basketball season followed by a family vacation.
Fawson answered all the questions that everyone had by going 4-0 on the day and shining in his role as the Mustangs’ No. 2 player.
Even though he hasn’t been able to practice with the team so far this season, Fawson attributes a lot of his quick success to already being in shape to run around the court and make his shots thanks to basketball.
Fawson and his teammates had plenty to overcome on Tuesday, as they finished the day with a 2-1-1 record.
The wind played a huge factor in the entire event as players had to adjust to it all day.
Berg is pleased that his players had to deal with those conditions though.
“This is Kansas,” Berg said. “It could be this way every time we play, might as well get used to it.”
Works finished his day with a 2-2 record with losses to fellow state qualifiers Zack Schroeder of Independence and Logan Benham of Pittsburg.
“I definitely could have gone 3-1,” Works said. “Just a couple of points slipped away against Logan. Against Zack, that was an eye-opener.
“Zack just hits the ball so much harder than anyone else.”
“It was a confidence-booster,” Works said. “I know I can play with anybody.”
Iola’s top doubles team of Tyler Heinrich and Mason Key also had a strong showing.
Iola will be back in action on Thursday as they host the Iola Invitational.
