So Timmy took it upon himself to apply for a USTA NorCal grant. The USTA grants committee is dedicated to supporting organizations and individuals in tennis communities across Northern California. The San Lorenzo High School boys tennis team was awarded $1,500. “I remember the day when the initial application came in to save the team,” says Silvia Duenas-Bielser, USTA Diversity Outreach Specialist for Northern California, “We were really impressed that these youngsters took the initiative to help their high school.”
“Timmy went above and beyond – and not because of what it meant to him, but because of how important it was to everyone else and what it meant for the school,” explains San Lorenzo High Athletic Director, Coach Tom Longaker. “He took it upon himself to research what opportunities were out there and put lots of time into gathering all the necessary information and doing everything right. He is a kid who really cares about this school.”
Though this was the first time Timmy had ever taken on such an endeavor, he is no a stranger to excelling; along with tennis, Timmy has a 4.0 GPA, is a photographer, the school historian, makes his own music, plays basketball and is the captain of the San Lorenzo tennis team for the second year in a row.
He is also an example of what high school sports are all about, as Coach Longaker explains, “Participating in sports isn’t about ability or wins and losses, more importantly it teaches dedication, commitment, and the benefits of hard work and core values in life.”
Timmy joined the tennis team in 9th grade having never picked up a racquet until that first day of team practice. Participating at the request of a friend with the hope of gaining some conditioning, he cramped on that first day, but kept going. His hard work paid off; the next year he made the varsity team, played #4 singles and was selected most improved player from his teammates.
From the hard work of many people the San Lorenzo athletic programs were kept intact, but as boys tennis team coach Cyrus Sagar explains, the USTA grant will go far in helping the desperately under-funded team. “Usually our budget for everything is $100 per season. Beyond that the kids have to pay or fund-raise for everything they need, including supplies, uniforms, transportation and student fees. This grant eases that pressure a bit and bought much needed equipment for the team, even basics like balls, bins and court-sweepers – they’re imperative but can add up very quickly.” Most importantly, Sagar points out, since San Lorenzo High isn’t in what most would call the highest of income level neighborhoods, the grant makes it possible for several of the kids to actually be on the team.
But with no funding through the district any longer for athletics, just having courts to play on isn’t always enough. Having played tennis himself since the 8th grade and as an alumnus of San Lorenzo High, Sagar speak with conviction when saying, “We have one net that’s almost in shreds and as long as I’ve been here these courts have never been resurfaced – they’ve all got big cracks in them. Timmy is looking into additional grants to hopefully make those improvements as well.”
“This situation is about kids making an opportunity for themselves, says Duenas-Bielser.” Timmy is such a great example of how when you really want something and are willing to put the effort into it you will get the rewards.”
Coach Sagar agrees, “Timmy is such a great kid and tennis has had an immense positive impact on these kids, it has helped their confidence, their identity – they belong to something and that’s priceless.”
High School Hero
Senior Timmy Huynh Saves the Financially Strapped San Lorenzo Tennis Team
by Beth Rifkin
Most stories regarding high school kids and sports are about a prodigy’s sensational athletic ability or how against all odds they made the winning touchdown, goal, homerun or basket…this is not that story. This is the story of a dedicated 18 year old senior in San Lorenzo who saved his high school tennis team from extinction.
As victims of the widespread California budget cuts that have affected many schools and educational programs, San Lorenzo High School was in danger of losing several key activities, most from the athletic department. Team captain, Timmy Huynh, couldn’t imagine his senior year without tennis. “I did what I had to do,” says Timmy in a very matter of fact manner, “Last year was so great and the guys wanted to play. No matter if we win or lose, we just like to play.”
Sidebar:
Many letters of support were written from team members and alumni to help San Lorenzo save their tennis team. Following are excerpts from just a few, including one written by Timmy himself.
“My name is Mark Guintibano. I am an Alumni of San Lorenzo High school and now currently attending the University of California of Davis. I am concerned about the future of San Lorenzo High’s tennis team. Due to recent school budget cuts, the tennis is in jeopardy of losing its tennis program. The sport tennis allows students not only to meet new people, but it also pushes students to get excellent grades so they can participate on the team.”
“I understand that San Lorenzo High School is in jeopardy of losing their tennis program. I feel that I must say something about this unbelievable act. The San Lorenzo Tennis Team was probably one of the best things I’ve done in my life so far. Not only did it help me lose weight and get fit, it also gave me life long friends… for us the tennis team is more than just a sport, it is our second family.” -David Chen
“…my team and I desire to continue the successful of the program by introducing goals. On behalf on the team, we hoped to bridge ethnical, racial, identity gaps or any other through tennis. We want to enhance our school brand. We want to create a safe environment for students. And with this in mind we will have fun and make memories.
The tennis program has changed me as a player of the game off and on the court. I had to undertake responsibilities by setting examples through not only my words but as well with my actions. As I continue to reflect upon the program’s success for what it has done for others and me, I believe that it is vital for others to be given the same opportunity as I was. Removing tennis from San Lorenzo would be hurting for many students.”
-Timmy Huynh
As appeared in Inside Tennis Magazine, March 2009, Northern California Edition
