Heights takes home the Golden Racquet

The Heights High girls' tennis team and coach with the "Golden Racquet," post-match.

For the second time in six years, the Cleveland Heights High School girls’ tennis team took home the coveted “Golden Racquet,” triumphing 4-1 over Beaumont School on Sept. 26.

Mike Pellechia, Beaumont tennis coach, created the Golden Racquet in 2013. An actual tennis racquet painted gold, it is the trophy claimed by the winner of the yearly match between Beaumont and Heights High. The recipient of the racquet then keeps it for an entire year, and is required to bring it to the rivalry match the following year.

To properly encourage his team to fight for a win, Heights High Coach John Laskarides did his best to hype the rivalry, and even e-mailed his team pictures of the Beaumont team holding the golden racquet, to get them fired up.

His tactic proved effective, as Heights defeated Beaumont on four out of five courts, losing only 1st doubles. In the end, both coaches were excited that their rivalry is becoming something the girls look forward to.

“I knew that it was going to be a tough match this year. We won all five courts last year, but they were close and we had five seniors,” said Pellechia. “I’m disappointed we lost possession of the racquet this year, but the Heights girls played very well and deserved the victory. We definitely will have this match circled on our calendar next year, and look forward to trying to win the racquet back.”

Nicole Pellechia

Nicole Pellechia is Mike Pellechia's daughter, and an avid tennis lover. She earned a bachelor's degree from Ohio University's E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, and currently resides in Columbus.

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Volume 11, Issue 11, Posted 9:55 AM, 10.09.2018