Last seen in 2016’s Regional Tennis Team Championships, the Oakland Tech boys tennis team has not been present for nearly ten years. However, we have learned that several teachers are trying to bring back the team starting this year, and you can be a part of it.
Xavier Shakur, current ninth grade ethnic studies and English teacher, will be the coach, and STIP substitute teacher Ford Carlisle will be the assistant coach. Mr. Shakur has played tennis for nearly ten years and was also one of the coaches for the girls tennis team. Mr. Carlisle coached the Oakland High boys tennis team before he switched to working at Tech. They are currently recruiting students and hope to start conditioning in early February.
“I played high school tennis all four years,” says Mr. Shakur. ”It was one of the main doors that got me into college.” His motivation to start the team came not only from his experience with the sport but his ambition to give the boys the same competitive experience as the girls.
While the team is still currently being pieced together, they held their first interest meeting during lunch and study hall on Friday, January 23, to help collect student information. Conditioning has begun in early February; tryouts are expected to be held several days after. Practices will be held four times a week before the season starts, although during the season, they will be shortened to at least two days since matches will be played throughout the week.
Mr. Shakur says that students will “absolutely” not need prior tennis experience to join the team. “You can join this team if you are a novice, beginner, expert, wherever you fall,” he states. However, to compete on the team with other schools, students will need to have a physical ready to show that they’re eligible to play.
Mr. Shakur hopes to compete against other schools like Oakland High and Skyline, but he is planning on reaching out to other schools like Berkeley High, Alameda High, and Piedmont High for more matches and to give the team more playing experience.
Last year, discussion about forming a boys tennis team never went forward since there were not enough numbers—at least 10 players are needed to start the season. This year, they are spreading word of their club through flyers near the TV at the front of the school, and the use of social media to make the team as soon as possible.
To those hoping to participate in the team, you can check in with Mr. Shakur in Room 223 for more information.