The classic serve. A solid return. The perfect backhand. A powerful slam. Throw in the finesse of the timely drop shot and that sums up the Daler Varsity Boys Tennis team during any given practice or league play. Under the watchful eyes of Coach Jill Little and Coach Ortiz, 14 student athletes make up the 2003 varsity squad. "We are a very young team," Coach Little noted, "but all of the team members have shown dedication, determination and a 'no fear' attitude when playing against teams that are markedly better than we are." This positive attitude is what makes this team work. There is a sense of watching out for each other. "But the best part," she commented," is they all have a great time no matter what kind of situation they are placed in."

Veteran leadership coupled with youthful exuberance combines to form a very unique Daler team. Graduating seniors include Mike Fanslow (team captain), Andy Orellana, Alvaro Silva, Derek Weinstein (first year player) and Spencer Wong (team captain). These 12th graders have gone out of their way to make all of the new team members feel comfortable. Rising juniors are Billy Kohl and Steven Watro. Super sophomores are compromised of Peter Cody, Keith Maca and Patrick Socias. Rounding out the team are fab freshmen Robert Alfano and Thomas Maca along with highly touted Howitt Middle Schoolers Jon LoPresti (eighth grade) and the first seventh grade student to play varsity tennis, Jason Williams.

"We are always looking for new tennis players," stated Coach Ortiz. "You must have had some experience playing before joining the team but it is amazing how fast these kids learn once they begin playing consistently." Practicing every day has fine tuned their game and made even the newest player a real competitor. They look forward to getting stronger each year. The team has received huge contributions from each and every player. They will continue to develop their games in the off-season to improve on the variety of skills required to play the sport. Game, set, match ... Dalers.

To learn more about the FHS varsity boys and girls tennis programs and future events, contact the FHS physical education department, the varsity tennis coaches of the Friends of Farmingdale Athletics.

Andy Orellana, Grade 12

Andy has been a veteran competitor for the Farmingdale High School Boys Tennis team. This season completes his fourth and final year on the varsity. He has some definite post high school plans. "I'd like to go to college and study international business," he said. "I already speak fluent Spanish and English and would like to study Japanese." Andy has always hit the books. Math is a favorite "because it comes so easily to me." Social studies provide a fascinating perspective, too. "It's like telling an interesting story. I like to listen to it." He's involved in a number of after-school activities. DECA, the high school Business and Marketing Club is a special one along with playing soccer where he earned varsity letters. Andy volunteered many hours of community service through various events at the high school. He enjoys playing the piano and occasionally finds time to write some music. He also likes to draw and is thinking about writing some stories. Andy has been into the tennis game now four years running. "I used to play racquet ball, but my cousin always wanted me to try tennis," he mentioned. "Once I tried it, I loved it!" As soon as he steps on the court, Andy is all business, playing for the "love of the sport. Support for my teammates and leadership for those new members" is what it's all about. There is always work to be done. "Tennis is the kind of sport where you have to develop and improve on every aspect of the game," Andy quoted. "I have worked particularly hard on improving my serve." There's another noteworthy fact from Andy. "I come from a 100 percent Chilean family," he said. "I have been there many times. I was born in the USA but we incorporate Chilean customs with the American ones." A Daler through and through, Andy is the consummate ace.

Coach's Corner: Andy is a very special individual. He has drive and determination. I truly believe that anything he sets out to do in life will be done. He is a coach's dream. A leader, with a strong sense of fair play, always looking out for the best interest of his team. He is a true, 100 percent competitor.

Derek has provided solid match play for the Daler team this 2003 spring season. He will graduate in June and plans to attend Hofstra University in the fall, where he will study toward a music education degree. He has set his goals to the highest standards. "I want to be a band director or a music teacher," Derek stated. Schoolwork has been a priority. He enjoys math "because I'm good at it" along with band, as he's "really into music." He participates in a number of extra-curricular activities including the Key Club, Robotics Team, the Spanish Honor Society and Odyssey of the Mind. Derek is a member of the FHS Marching Band (drum major), the Jazz Ensemble and Pit Orchestra. He has lettered in swimming and enjoys soccer. Derek volunteers his time as an assistant coach for the Long Island Junior Soccer League, plays in the Village Pops Band and sits in for the St. Kilian's Players Pit Orchestra. If he has any spare time, it's used to listen to music and he loves anything to do with computers or electronics. He's worked on his tennis game, trying to "improve the speed and accuracy of my serve." When describing what he brings to the sport, Derek cited "a positive attitude, discipline and maturity." As this was his first year playing tennis, he was asked how it came to be. "I got started playing with family and friends," he stated. On an interesting note, he claims to celebrate Catholic, Jewish and Chinese holidays. A true Daler, Derek covers all the angles.

Coach's Corner: Derek's outstanding quality is his wonderful sense of humor. He has the ability to make everyone around him feel good about themselves. He is a dedicated team player who takes any challenge with a smile. Derek is a senior and only came to our tennis team this year. Our one regret is that we didn't get to enjoy him for all four years.

The Friends of Farmingdale Athletics plan to submit articles to be printed in the Observer about various sports team in the community, highlighting a specific team and some players.