MADEIRA -When Friday's rain threw a curve into the opening round of the OHSAA boys state tennis tournament at the Lindner Tennis Center in Mason, Division I matches were assigned to nearby Five Seasons Sports Club, while the Division II bracket was sent to Camargo Racquet Club in Madeira.
That meant Summit Country Day senior Elizabeth Fahrmeier would have to make history indoors. The 2017 Division II state semifinal player in the girls tournament as a freshman, was also a state participant in the fall of 2018.
She didn't play high school tennis in 2019 and this past fall had a foot injury costing her a final girls season. However, OHSAA rules permitted her to join the boys for the spring.
She did more than join. After texting Silver Knights coach Scott McIntosh that she was in, he found a uniform and had her on the court winning 6-0, 6-0 in singles against Wyoming later that day.
While girls have played boys tennis in the past, often due to playing other sports in the fall, the OHSAA had no record of a girl not only playing, but advancing to state.
Fahrmeier did that by finishing as district runner-up to Indian Hill's Jack Pollock.
Her opponent, Andrew Zimcosky of Chagrin Falls, a 2019 state champion found himself in the odd situation of not being the crowd favorite. Those that hadn't seen Fahrmeier play were treated to the 6-foot lefty's bevy of hard serves and hustle.
"Under 18, she was No. 1 in the country in doubles, so she's faced high-level competition," Summit Country Day coach Scott McIntosh said. "She hung with him for a while. She continued to fight 'til the last point was lost."
Fahrmeier lost 6-1, 6-1 but may have won more fans over by toughing out the match against her heavily favored opponent. The last game seemed to drag on, even when the outcome was all but settled. Fahrmeier won several late points, screaming out 'Mine!' with each one.
"There were a lot of people up there in the stands but I didn't let that get to me," Fahrmeier said. "I just went out there and played my best tennis. Andrew (Zimcosky) is an amazing player, a really sweet guy. I knew going in it was going to be a tough match and I just gave it all I had."
Added opponent Zimcosky, "It was a lot more stressful 6-1, 6-1. There was a bigger crowd there and they were definitely not on my side. She made me work for it. The last game honestly was one of the toughest."
She may not have won, but the day was hers.
Her prize for her efforts was the always-welcome hug from her mother after her round of interviews.
"I'm just so proud of her," Judy Fahrmeier said. "She had a tough draw today and went out and gave it her all. She fought every point."
While her appearances occasionally brought on discreet and non-discreet criticism, the "Who's who?" of tennis gathered Friday morning at Camargo seemed to appreciate her efforts.
"It's hard as a mother, you don't want to hear that (heckling) about your child, but it's part of the sport when you hear things like that," Judy Fahrmeier said. "She's dealt with it all her life in junior tennis. She handled it very well. I'm very proud of her."
Judy and John Fahrmeier watched from the upper balcony area as their daughter finished 10-3 in singles, with all three losses coming to boys who made the state tournament.
Joining Elizabeth Fahrmeier this weekend in a unique category was Sophie Russell of Dayton Oakwood. Russell played in Division II doubles and has previous state experience finishing third with the 2019 Oakwood girls team in doubles.
"I can't think too much of it or I'll beat myself up," Fahrmeier said of her history-making appearance. "It was a really exciting opportunity and I had so many great friends and family watching and supporting me. I'm so glad I got this opportunity. It feels amazing. I'm very proud of myself and how far that I've come."
For Fahrmeier, she welcomes the challenge and opportunity to get better. Win or lose, she'll head to Boca Raton, Florida, for more training this summer before starting in the Dartmouth program by September.
Summit coach Scott McIntosh thinks she may have had a legitimate shot at the girls singles championship had she not been injured. Should her career continue on an upswing, there is a certain pro event in Mason on the same courts where Fahrmeier finished as a district runner-up and a state girls semifinalist.
"Who knows what's in the future?" Fahrmeier said with a wide grin. "That's not a huge goal of mine, but if I get there, I get there."
Source link
