Tennis: victory despite injury

Friday, May. 27, 2016

DRAPER — Juan Diego Catholic High School won the UHSAA 3A State Championship tennis title, May 14 its third in four years. 

The Soaring Eagle team swept into first place at the Region 11 tennis tournament led by senior Ryan Kempin, #1 singles player; his younger brother, junior Connor Kempin, #2 singles; and junior Ben Agrelius, #3 singles. 

“Not to be outdone, the #1 doubles title went to seniors Lucas Castro and Rex Alley; the #2 doubles title went to juniors Alex Miller and Tyler Osha,” said Arthur Miyazaki, JDCHS head tennis coach.

Going into the state championship tournament, the team kept the momentum from the region win, Miyazaki said.

During the competition, Ryan Kempin was up a set when he sustained a shoulder injury and had to retire. Even without him, the team claimed the championship, as Connor Kempin went on to secure the #2 singles title, and Ben Agrelius won the #3 singles title. 

The #1 doubles team lost in a close match in the semi-finals and the #2 doubles team lost in the quarterfinals, said Miyazaki. 

“With all positions earning team points, Juan Diego was able to outpoint runner-up Park City High School by two points,” Miyazaki said. “This has been a tremendous run by this team, winning three state championships in the last four years; last year we were the runners-up.

“A lot of luck and a great deal of the credit goes to the Kempin family for our success,” Miyazaki continued. “I have coached the three Kempin boys: Brendon Kempton, the oldest brother, Ryan and Connor, and we’ve been very successful.”

In high school about 85 percent of the kids are recreational players; the others are tournament players who are responsible for winning championships, said Miyazaki. “We need a core group who play the local tournaments in Nevada, Idaho and the western states to carry the team. These kids practice harder, they take lessons and they play year-round.”