The Seymour boys tennis team met one final time Sunday to celebrate their 2017 season.
This past fall season, the Owls finished 11-7 overall with a sectional championship trophy to their credit.
“With effort and dedication, we accomplished a lot of goals,” Owls coach Brad Emerson said. “The players were open to suggestions. Every player contributed to the successes this season.”
Entering the sectional with a record of 8-6, the Owls started playing their best tennis at the tail end of the season.
Seymour defeated Austin 4-1 and Scottsburg 3-2 to advance to the sectional finals against Brownstown Central.
In the championship, the Owls were able to claim wins at No. 1 and No. 2 singles, and No. 2 doubles, to edge their county rivals.
The sectional title marked the ninth in the program’s history.
The Owls then fell to Columbus North in the regional, ending their season.
Seymour senior Ty McCory, the team’s No. 1 singles player, received numerous awards for his efforts on the season.
McCory was named the team’s Co-MVP, to the Hoosier Hills Conference and district teams, Academic All-State honorable mention and received the Seymour coaches’ award. On Saturday, McCory also played in the Indiana Senior All-Star competition.
Junior Adam Berry was the other Co-MVP, finishing with a strong 17 wins. Berry, No. 2 singles, was also named All-HHC honorable mention.
“Ty and Adam played very well in the sectional and regional,” Emerson said. “They set the tone by getting points out of the gates. They did it consistently across the year.”
The most improved award went to Spanish foreign exchange student Pablo Jimenez. Jimenez played No. 2 doubles for the Owls.
A mental attitude award was presented to Isaac Hardin. Hardin, who played in several three-set matches during the season, came up with the deciding win over Scottsburg in the sectional semifinals.
Emerson said he’s excited for next season, returning every player but McCory.
“This was a special team that exceeded my expectations,” he said. “It was a great time working with these boys. We had to earn the sectional.