TJ GARCIA | SPECIAL TO THE MONITOR
McALLEN — Jack Wang is on an island.
He grew up in McAllen. He attended Our Lady of Sorrows. And now, the junior is knee-deep in year-end papers and exams at McAllen ISD’s IB high school Lamar Academy.
But make no mistake, Wang is all by himself when he gets on the patch of terrain that is the tennis court. Wang, a singles player for McAllen Memorial, is all alone out there.
That’s singles tennis. No teammates, no coaches. Nothing to help Wang but his quick wit, fast feet and a fearsome forehand so powerful he’s been able to ride it all the way to the UIL Class 6A state tournament Monday.
“Going to state feels really good because since freshman year, well, that’s what everyone wants to do,” said Wang, who’s been playing since age nine. “I’m planning to go all the way, but I’m taking it one match a time. The competition is tough out there, but I believe I can do it.”
And Wang isn’t the only one the Mustangs are sending to state — to be held Monday and Tuesday at Texas A&M University — in what’s been a breakthrough year for the District 30-6A champions. Memorial’s boys’ doubles team of brothers Alan and Daniel Magadan will also make its first trip to state.
What makes this trip extra sweet is how the Mustangs trio finally got there, said Memorial coach Rhodora Elizondo. The Magadan brothers were able to knock off a veteran state tournament duo from New Braunfels, home to a powerhouse high school and the famed John Newcombe Tennis Ranch.
“Those New Braunfels kids have been winning regionals (in doubles) forever, and for us it’s a big pride thing for the Valley to be there with the big boys and beat them,” Elizondo said. “This is something good.”
Wang lost the regional final to Harlingen South ace Jeremiah Gonzalez. But what makes Elizondo, who has coached tennis in the RGV for more than a decade, proud is that Region IV — which includes the San Antonio area and all points south — boys’ champions are Valley players.
Elizondo and assistant coach Kareem Abdullah believe that Wang and the Magadan brothers have a good opportunity to go deep at the state tourney. The Magadans — junior Daniel and freshman Alan — use a good mix of energy and experience to dominate on the court. They did not lose a match to an RGV team all year.
“We were not good when we first started playing together,” said Alan, who added that they simply had to listen to their coaches and work harder. “Right now we have better ability than we used to. The one that can dominate at the net wins in doubles.”
And just like net play, Daniel and Alan both said communication has been key all year long. Both encourage and get after each other. Elizondo said Daniel’s leadership has helped bring Alan along, especially since he’s only 14 years old and playing opponents older and more mature.
Wang, who Elizondo says is laser focused during matches and is very hard on himself, doesn’t have anyone to lean on while he’s out there. It’s one-on-one. However, if he can play to his capability, he likes his chances, especially if he can rely on the forehand.
“I am able to set up easier shots for myself (with it), create different angles and go from defense to offense, so it’s a pretty good weapon,” Wang said.
And if Elizondo and the Mustangs have their way, maybe it will be another all-Valley, all-Region IV finals ticket at state with them coming out on top this time. Like Elizondo said, that would be something good.