Unioto tennis' Hanes and Thornsberry prepare for first state tennis tournament appearance

CHILLICOTHE − When Unioto's Lucas Hanes and Mason Thornsberry first picked up tennis, they never anticipated reaching the position they're in now.

The two first delved into the sport in their sophomore years as a lark. Unioto coach Brandon Hanes encouraged the two to give the sport a shot, and they saw another opportunity to interact with their friends and stay active during the spring sports season. It wasn't until their wins began to pile up that the two realized their potential.

Now, Thornsberry and Hanes have a chance to leave their mark at the highest level in the state. The duo, following a 6-2, 6-1 win over Logan Elm in the doubles district tournament finals last week, became the first tennis players from Unioto to qualify for the state tournament.

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"Going into it, I didn't think it would turn into this," Thornsberry said. "I just kind of thought it was 'Okay, I got some friends, let's go play some tennis.' But then we started picking up and then after that first year we realized like we might be able to actually compete. Then it went from just kind of a fun thing to 'Alright, let's win.'"

Hanes and Thornsberry thrive under pressure. The two have been friends for years, and that's created a synergy on the court that few other doubles teams can match.

Part of that synergy played a role in getting to state in the first place. They had originally planned on meeting Ironton's doubles team in the district finals, but had to think on the fly when the Braves upset the Fighting Tigers. That didn't slow the pair down, however. The most important aspect of Hanes and Thornsberry's game, especially during their respective senior years, has been to enjoy whatever opportunities come their way.

It also helps to have experience in the postseason. They've almost qualified for state last year, in fact. They reached the district tournament last year, but they fell to Waverly's doubles team and missed the cutoff by a hair. Hanes and Thornsberry know what they've been able to accomplish in their short careers, and this season was the culmination of that effort.

"It definitely makes it more memorable," Hanes said. "End your senior year going out with definitely a bang."

What's also important, according to the duo, however, are the off-the-court factors that most people won't see. Wins are important, but they come as a result of the effort they, their teammates and coaches at Unioto put in to achieve those wins. Almost half their year was dedicated to just preparing for the season. Practices often stretched late into the night. Stringent exercise regimens helped them improve over time improved their overall abilities.

That's not even mentioning the support network they've acquired. Coach Hanes put them on a strict exercise regimen, and help from others brought in through connections from within Unioto and outside the school pushed them to improve year by year. To Thornsberry, he and Hanes might not have reached the state tournament had they not found that support network.

"The people that we've had, that have helped us through this," Thornsberry said. "Just a solid group of people that we've been able to meet and get close with. I think I'll appreciate that more than I will going to state in the long run."

Thornsberry and Hanes and prepared for their last hurrah. Three years of practice and sacrifice have built up to their trip to Wooster College for the state tournament. Neither is feeling stress, however. After all, they thrive under pressure.

Besides, they've already hit their main goal for the year. When they prepared for their senior campaigns, the two set sights on making it past districts after falling short last year. Now, all that's left is to compete and enjoy the time they have left playing for Unioto.

"Everything from here on out is just, have fun and," Hanes said. "But we're still going to compete. We're going to try to win."

This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Unioto's Hanes and Thornsberry prepare to make most of state tennis tournament