Conner Tieszen Trying To Lead Washington To State Title

by Kolbe Nelson
April 30, 2012 5:35 PM


The Washington boys tennis team is favored to win its first state championship since 2001. Leading the charge for the Warriors is senior Conner Tieszen. That's why he's our Karl's TV and Appliance Athlete of the Week.

For the last three years, O'Gorman has dominated the boys tennis scene in South Dakota, but this year things are different. The Knights are without four of their state champions from last season and the Washington Warriors are ready to take their place.

"Just kind of doing what we've been practicing for the last few weeks and the last few years," Washington Head Coach Braden Bradfield says, "And we've finally reached the point where we're ready to do it."

The Warriors are led by Tieszen. The senior finished third last year at state and has started this season by posting an undefeated record in 11 matches.

"Conner is a unique character." Bradfield said, "He's definitely a big part of this team, he's definitely the horse of the team, he puts in a lot of time, on and off the court."

For Tieszen, that time is the key to his game.

"Just keep on practicing really hard." Tieszen says, "That's all that really matters. Because you practice hard and you play hard and you hope for the best."

"He's strong mentally, physically." Bradfield says, "He can come onto the court and be ready to play and he's put in a lot of effort and a lot of time to get to this point."

When you're the number one guy for the number one team, there's bound to be some pressure, but Tieszen doesn't let it bother him.

"There's always pressure," Tieszen says, "But we practice pretty hard so you really don't feel it after a while."

And Tieszen is hoping he can keep that mentallity strong as he helps Washington on their journey to the top of the South Dakota boys tennis ranks.

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