Chlumsky leads Maize tennis despite new role

Clint Chlumsky is leading the Maize High tennis team in 2010, even as he adapts to a new role on the squad.

Clint played doubles his first three years of high school, but he switched to singles this season since his partner, Jake Brucks, graduated. Clint and Jake placed 10th at the Class 6A state tournament in 2008, and they finished seventh in 2009.

Clint said he has built up every year as the season progressed, and this spring appears to be no different. He placed second in singles April 17 at the McPherson Invitational, where he lost the final to Quinn Dippel, who finished third for Smoky Valley last year at the Class 4A state tournament.

Clint went 3-0 in pool play April 20 at the stacked Maize Invitational. He faced Daniel Ritchie of Wichita Collegiate for the No. 1 singles title. Daniel was the third-place finisher at the Class 3-2-1A state tournament in 2009.

Clint defeated Daniel 8-5 for the victory Tuesday on his home court – a special achievement his senior year. He admitted he wanted a little revenge since Daniel beat him 8-1 earlier this season at a Goddard tournament.

His transition to singles play hasn’t always been easy.

“I’ve definitely been more patient than I was starting off,” he said.

Clint’s goal is to qualify for state and finish among the top 10. That wouldn’t be an usual accomplishment for Clint, but it would be a first for him in the singles bracket.

Clint and Jake were regional champions in doubles competition last year, when Maize won the regional tournament by beating teams such as Goddard and Wichita Northwest. Maize will host its regional in May.

After graduation, Clint will play tennis for Bethel College – where, he pointed out, he will have to compete in singles and doubles.