KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
HARLINGEN — Senior tennis player Jacob Canales became the fifth student athlete from Harlingen High to sign a letter of intent to play at the next level. Canales who is a four-year letterman on the varsity tennis team signed his name on the dotted line to compete at Schreiner University.
“I was never the type to follow through, so it feels good to stick with this and play at the college level,” Canales said. “The skill level will be the biggest challenge, it’s a step up from the high school level and the work ethic will also be a step up. I expect a whole other level when I get there from the court to the people I meet.”
Canales finished his high school career as a district champion in mixed doubles and finished in the top 32 teams in the state. Canales was named to the all-district team his sophomore year and made the regional meet three of his four years. This year Canales was the boys team captain.
“My advice to him (Jacob) would be to keep working both in the classroom and on the field,” said Harlingen Tennis coach James Tanamachi. “Since day one he has been one of the hardest working kids and I’m proud to see him go out a district champ. That is the goal for everyone, it doesn’t happen every year, but I’m glad he did it this year.”
Canales has a brother Michael who also qualified for regional’s this year and finished second in district. Michael is a sophomore and looks to soon follow in his brother’s footsteps.
“Jacob isn’t a loud guy, but he leads by example and when he steps on the court it’s all business and he set a good example for his younger brother,” said Tanamachi.
After the regional meet, Canales felt he was able to compete at the next level and made it a goal of his to take his career to the next step.
“My advice to my brother and the younger guys, would be to work hard and don’t procrastinate, go out there and work hard.” Canales said.