Sun, Nov 22 2009
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A Tom Harris column: Promise fulfilled 5 years ago, Bob Walters saw something special in Jake Kerosky. And the Lakeside senior proved him to be a prophet this spring TOM HARRISStar Beacon “I was always interested in playing tennis,” Kerosky said. “But before junior high, I just hit the ball around.
“My first coach, I guess, was Mr. Walters. There were other coaches along the way in Cleveland and Erie, but Mr. Walters has worked with me the whole time. He’s taught me a lot of life lessons and helped me become a better person.” “I think Jake probably got interested in the game because of his parents,” Walters said. “They both love the game.. And, of course Zack played tennis. Jake never complained; he always had that desire to compete.” This season, Kerosky was the Dragons’ captain. It was a role he enjoyed. “It was a good year,” he said. “Maybe your favorite year is always your senior year, but I was in charge of the practices and ran the drills. It’s a tradition thing, and I remember how I looked up to Steve Shenault when he was captain.” Kerosky gave his teammates much to respect beyond his play in matches. When something needed done, Kerosky was there to do it. “He always led by example,” Walters said. “Whether it was running or picking up equipment, Jake led by example. I’ve heard that LeBron James is a very coachable player. And it makes a big difference when your top dog is so respectful and responsive to coaching. Everybody else seems to follow. You like to have athletes that do the things expected of them.” Though it ended in disappointment, the 2009 season was a memorable one for Kerosky. “The team was great,” he said. “We were all friends, and we had a lot of fun together. Hutch Dannels came up to the district tournament to support me. That was really good, because he had to drive three hours to get there. And I got seven text messages from my teammates asking how I did.” Despite having to occasionally scramble to win a match, Kerosky says playing the game is relaxing. “Before the match, I’m a nervous wreck,” he said. “But once I get on the court, peace and quiet come over me. I’m able to relax completely and work on getting the first serve in. “I try to be that way in everything, but it’s easier with tennis. But no matter what I’m doing, I don’t give up. I get things done.” In the fall, Kerosky will enroll at Ohio Wesleyan and play collegiate tennis for the Battling Bishops. He was as methodical in his approach to selecting a college as he is in discovering the tendencies of his tennis opponents. “I made a chart of the three schools I was considering,” Kerosky said. “And I rated them in terms of academics, tennis and other areas that are important to me. Ohio Wesleyan got the highest score.” Before he sets out for Delaware, Ohio, however, Kerosky and his parents will make a trip to Tanzania to visit Jake’s older brother, Thad, who is in the Peace Corps. They will fly first to Kenya and then go on the Tanzania for a 20-day visit. 
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