Star Ledger on GSB girls tennis
from the Star Ledger 10-03-05
BUILDING IT SO THEY WILL COME
Jenny Rogers played first singles at Blair in the mid-1990s, getting a first-hand look at how a successful program operates. Now, she's trying to emulate that model at Gill St. Bernard's.
"When I took over last year I figured I'd do it on a trial basis," Rogers said. "I saw so much potential and I loved it so much that I think I'm going to be here for a while."
After finishing 11-8 last season, Gill St. Bernard's reeled off eight straight victories to open this season before bowing to their coach's alma mater, 5-0, last Wednesday.
Leading the charge for the Somerset County school has been its talented singles lineup of sophomore Christie Pollin and the Clamp sisters, junior Emily and senior Sarah. The trio has combined for a 23-4 record as Gill St. Bernard's has fashioned the best start in the Gladstone school's history, including a victory over No. 19 Gov. Livingston of Berkeley Heights last week.
All three singles players live in Mendham and train at Competitive Edge under former touring professional Dan Wilson, who also happens to be Rogers' husband. "Dan works with a lot of the top players in the area," said Rogers, who is also involved with Competitive Edge in a non-coaching role. "I'm hoping to keep attracting players here and to grow the program into one of the best in the state."
