East Ridge Boys’ Tennis Information 2015
Philosophy of ERHS Tennis program
The Raptor Tennis program is a “No-Cut” sport, open to all 7-12 graders, attending East Ridge or those
who will attend ERHS, once in high school. It is a privilege to play a sport, and with it carries added
responsibilities. “Student-athletes” are just that. First, they are students. Secondly, they are athletes.
Student-athletes must be responsible to put their ‘all’ into school work and then their ‘all’ into their
sport! Tennis is a TEAM sport, where we practice as a team, win as a team, and lose as a team. We will
learn from one another, lift each other up, and encourage one another. ERHS tennis strives to help
players continually improve and develop strong moral characters of being honest, respectful, hardworking, and determined. We will celebrate the wins, and learn from the losses. Ultimately, we want
our players to have fun, and experience the joy of the lifelong sport of tennis!
Expectations
We expect players to be committed, by attending every practice and match in its entirety, arriving on
time, and staying until the team huddle at the end. “No-Cut” does not mean “No-Commitment”! In
order to have a successful program, we expect commitment. Players are expected to help and
encourage their teammates, on and off the courts. It is expected that all players make honest calls,
100% of the time. Players will sign a Sportsmanship Policy, and create both team and individual goals to
strive for throughout the season. Players are expected to turn off cell phones during all practices and
matches. Players are also expected to volunteer with various fundraising opportunities, such as our
camp, tournament, concessions, etc.
We expect parents to be supportive of the coaches’ decisions, and of every player. We are doing what is
best for the team. We expects parents and spectators to show “tennis etiquette” meaning they will clap
or cheer when there has been a good shot, or a good point. If a problem occurs, please follow the steps
in the Raptor Athletic/Activities Parent Handbook. Parents are strongly encouraged to join the booster
club. Without these funds and efforts, we cannot have a successful, program. We also encourage
parents to get to know all of the players and their families. The more invested we are with one another,
the stronger our program will be.
Coaches are committed to helping each and every player improve and strive towards his goals. We will
make decisions based on what is best for the team. Line-ups will always be ethical, meaning our best
player will be in the #1 position, and so forth. We will communicate effectively with players and
parents, throughout the season. Coaches will also set team and individual goals and constantly work
towards these. We want each player to get the most out of each practice, match and meeting.
Team Selection & Lettering Policy
The first week of practice is used to evaluate each player and to form teams. Every player will practice
from 3:30 – 6:00 pm for the first week. All players will be evaluated on their groundstrokes, net play,
serve, attitude, effort, footwork, and match play. We will have three teams: Varsity, JV & C-Squad.
East Ridge Boys’ Tennis Information 2015
Varsity will be comprised of the best 12-15 players after the first week, and the remaining players will
make up the JV and C-Squad teams. We constantly want our Varsity players to prove their spot, and our
JV players to push these players, and so forth with C-Squad. There may be movement between C-Squad,
JV and Varsity, so no one player becomes complacent. In order to letter, a player must meet the
following criteria:
1. Participation: Must have played a minimum of 4 varsity matches, or must be a part of the
official varsity roster for 2/3 of the season. Special circumstances apply due to injury,
participating all 4 years of high school, etc.
2. Must be in good academic standing with East Ridge.
3. Student must be free from any violations of school policy.
Captains
Varsity Captains for the 2014 season are Riley Pratt, 12 and Vishaal Gupta, 12.
Captains will be selected by the coaching staff and varsity players voting at the end of the season.
Captains are to be positive leaders, on and off the court. They should lead by example, and
communicate effectively with players and coaches. Captains sign a contract at the beginning of the
season, reminding them of their expectations and responsibilities.
Schedule & Communication
All players will practice the first week (March 23-27) from 3:30 – 6:00 pm at ERHS. This may change due
to weather, so please read emails/texts/team website daily!
Pictures will be taken on Thursday, April 2nd at 3:30pm for all players. Bring order forms that day!
After teams are formed, Varsity will practice from 3:30 – 5:30, and JV/C-Squad will practice from 4:00 –
6:00 pm. For JV/C matches, we try to get every player a match or set, but sometimes other teams do
not have as many players. In some instances, we may have certain players stay at ER for a match
against a teammate, instead of traveling with JV/C team… (Coaches will explain)
Match schedule is on the ERHS site and on the SEC site (www.suburbaneast.org) Directions to
matches/schools are also on this site. Early release is necessary for some matches. Make sure to check
with your teachers to find out what you missed!
Sports Engine (thru ERHS site) will have announcements/changes/updates throughout the season. You
will receive emails from erhsbtennis@apps.district833.org DO NOT REPLY to this address, as there are
a few users.
East Ridge Boys’ Tennis Information 2015
Special Events- more details to come
Senior Night and Parent Night for JV/C-Squad – Tuesday, May 5 (Match against Roseville)
Senior Night for Varsity - Thursday, May 7 (Match against Park)
Little Raptor Night and Parent Night for V – Friday, May 8 (Match against Lakeville North)
Team Meals/Carbo-loads – at restaurants or homes or pavilion near courts
Banquet – Thursday, May 28 for all players/parents - PLEASE PLAN on ATTENDING!
Community Outreach
ERHS athletes are expected to reach out to their community members. Again this year we will focus on
the future Raptor tennis players, by inviting them to a match, and providing some activities and treats
for them afterwards. We will also run a Little Raptor Tennis Camp this summer (June 29-July 2, 10:00noon) for children ages 5-12. This will be a fundraiser for our team. ERAA also would like ERHS players
to volunteer to help with their programming. They are offering $100 stipend to any player who
consistently helps out, and will give the Boys’ Tennis Booster Club $25 as well! This is a great experience
and also a great resume booster, not to mention some quick cash!
Athletic Codes/Policies
Please make sure to read (and re-read) the Athletic Code and MSHSL bylaws.
Attendance – Players are expected to be at every practice and match. If you miss school, you cannot
practice or compete that day. If you miss a practice before a match, you will most likely sit that next
match. (There may be some exceptions…make sure to talk to your coach!) A general rule: If a player
misses 20 minutes of practice, that player needs to make up the 20 minutes on his own time. This is
only fair to the TEAM. Be responsible to manage your time and studies effectively, so that you can
prioritize tennis during our short spring season!
Transportation – Players and coaches must ride the bus to and from matches.
Communication – High school athletes need to communicate with their coaches. Don’t rely on a
teammate to deliver your message. After you complete your match, make sure to report scores to your
coach and discuss match. It is then expected that you find a teammate who is still playing to support!
Apparel – Players must wear ERHS uniform for matches, and any appropriate tennis clothing for
practices. Players must return ALL items at the end of the season!
East Ridge Boys’ Tennis Information 2015
*As an athlete, you are not just representing yourself, but East Ridge High School and this community!
Therefore, we expect all players to abide by the rules, and respect their opponents, coaches, teammates
and families. We want ERHS athletes to be known as fair, honest, and strong competitors!
Coaches Contact Information – please contact YOUR coach!
Suzie Heideman - Varsity Coach
Jon Rydberg – JV Coach
suzanneheideman@comcast.net
jono777@hotmail.com
suzieheideman@gmail.com
cell: 651-226-2693
cell: 651-492-1040
Brendan Fitzpatrick – C-Squad Coach
bfitz1412@gmail.com
cell: 651-207-7541
Nicole Murphey –Activities Secretary
nmurphey@sowashco.k12.mn.us
office: 651-768-2349