Tomhave steps right into State

Peter Tomhave, the Lumberjacks No. 1 singles player, headed off to the state Class A State Tennis Tournament this week for the second year in a row. Pine Knot News sports reporter Jack Slater asked him a few questions before he left.

Q How did you get started playing tennis?

A I started playing tennis through my family. Growing up, it was a big family tradition. It was just natural for me to step in and learn the sport - after that it was pretty easy to fall in love with it.

Q This is your second time playing at state, did you learn any lessons last year that will help you this time around?

A Second time around I've learned to take the time to relax and make sure mentally I am set before each point. There's no rush and I need to remember to keep my game as consistent as possible.

Q Do you have any superstitions or rituals before a match?

A One superstition I have is I have to do everything with my right foot first. I put my sock and shoe on my right foot first, go through right side doors and always lead with my right foot actually.

Q What are your plans for next year and will tennis be a part of that?

A Next year I will be heading to Bowdoin College in Maine to pursue economics and possibly a science degree. As of right now I don't believe I will be playing tennis competitively but hopefully I'll find time to still play for fun.

Q Who would you like to thank?

A I would really like to thank my parents and my coaches who have always been there to teach and support me even when the lessons don't revolve around tennis, they have been great mentors and friends.

Class A individual tennis tournament preview

Top-seeded Parker Law of Mounds Park Academy, a senior, is the highest returning qualifier. He placed second in 2018. He will face tough competition from unseeded senior Peter Tomhave of Cloquet, who placed sixth last year. The other seeded players are: junior Rikard Wilkens of Redwood Valley, No. 2; ninth-grader Justin Prochnow of Mounds Park Academy, No. 3; sophomore Ishan Nadkarni of Breck, No. 4; and Clayton Haberman of Breck, No. 5.

- From the Minnesota State High School League