For Everyone's Eyes Only

The fewer rules a coach has, the fewer rules there are for players to break.

- John Madden

I am speaking in behalf of about half of us, mostly the veterans on the team when I say this.

I am talking about the behavior of this team.

It's despicable.  It's embarrassing.

It's one thing to joke around.  I understand that the idea of this team is much like a fraternity, brothers who have fun, while looking out for each other.

But this is something else.

When we are given the simple instruction to be quiet, we should be quiet.

When we are given the simple instruction to line up, line up.

When we are given the simple instruction to run two laps, do it.

While we do understand that some of the guys in fourth period tennis have been really tired, I understand.  I've been there, I've done it, and I've had to practice after school.  So has Patrick, so has Allan, or so has whoever I have forgotten whoever has been on the team for more than a year now.

While I do understand that we want to have fun, as it is the main concept of this game, we also have to maintain a sense of professionalism.  

Let me be serious about a couple of things here.

1.  I'm pretty sure that ANYONE here doesn't want to be perceived as a jackass, as to how they act on the court in an immature way.  You act up, and your opponent is going to eat you up.

2.  We want to support our teammates and not distract them.

I know what most people are thinking, but this speech is not aimed to bully people, but instead to demand more.  To demand more, not necessarily in skill, as we have two coaches that can help us out with that, but to demand more in maturity.  Think about it this way.  If you were to meet somebody and they are offering you a million dollars, do you really want to act like a jackass at this time?

I didn't think so.

There are a couple of simple rules that Ms. Chain asks of you, rookies and veterans.

1. Get your end on time

2. Play your ass off until it falls to the ground.

3. Have a good time.

Do all of these three stated above, and I'm damn sure that not only will you gain respect of those around this team, but you will also gain the respect of those of who you play.  And with respect, comes with a great amount of friends.