Warriors play on, sweep Wahawks in opener

WATERLOO - Clayton Hoyt called him a mentor. Charlie Hammond mentioned his funny-loving personality.

Both Cedar Rapids Washington tennis players said the last week has been tough and emotional.

The Warriors pesevered recent tragedy to sweep host Waterloo West, 9-0, Thursday in their first meet of the year and first since the unexpected death of head coach Dave Meyer Saturday. The meet was originally scheduled for Tuesday, but was postponed when Meyer's funeral was scheduled Tuesday in Cedar Rapids.

"It's been tough. From Saturday to Tuesday was really tough," said Hammond, a senior. "It was a huge shock."

Meyer, 49, a native of Sioux City, had been at practice Thursday and then the team was notified Saturday morning he had died. The devastated group immediately met, trying to figure out what they could do to support Meyer's family. The Warriors switched from preparing for a promising season, including a team with five returning starters, to mourning the loss of the program's leader.

"It's been really sad for all of us," Hoyt said. It was such an unexpected loss. Nobody was really ready for it or thought anything of it."

Meyer was beginning his sixth season as the Warriors head coach. He led Washington to a 65-19 mark during his tenure, including two state team tournament appearances placing second in 2007 after a third-place finish the earlier year. Meyer's attitude made an impact with his players.

"He was a really good coach," Hammond said. "He was really funny and just fun to be around. It's a big loss."

Listen to Hammond talk about the reason to wear Meyer's initials on the players' sleeves in competition.

The team decided to add the initials "D.M." to the sleeves of their shirts as a tribute to Meyer. Hoyt said the team is dedicating this season to him as they move on into competition.

"We're doing all we can," Hoyt said. "Everyone's spirits are starting to get a little higher and we're hoping for a good season to remember him."

Frank Howell, who has been the Warriors women's basketball coach for eight seasons, leading them to a 147-46 record including a 19-4 record this last season and a fifth state appearance, was announced as Meyer's successor Wednesday, becoming the program's eighth head coach. Emotions were high for the Warriors, competing for the first time in high school without Meyer. 

"It's always going to be there," Hoyt said. "Since I was a freshman Dave's always coached me. It's different for sure. He was a great guy. He was a mentor for all of us. We all looked up to him."

Hammond admitted experiencing a shaky start. It was a combination of the situation and playing the first high school meet. The team showed resolve and focused on each point.

"It was emotional," Hammond said. "We kept it in check and played pretty well."

Meyer likely would have been proud of the Warriors effort against the Wahawks. Washington dropped only one set in the meet. Hammond swept Armin Muhamedagic, 6-3, 6-0, in No. 1 singles and then teamed with sophomore Mitch Blades in No. 1 doubles to beat Muhamedagic and Sead Sarkic, 6-2, 6-3. Blades beat  Evan McClain in No. 2 singles, 6-0, 6-2.Hoyt and Mitch Anderson scored swept their No. 3 and 4 singles, respectively, and then paired up for a sweep in doubles.

"The first four guys played really well and then we had good wins at five and six," said Hammond, noting wins by Ian Fischer and Zach Detweiler, the latter being in three sets. "They gutted through the match.

Weather conditions became a little harsh. Temperatures dropped and the wind grew stronger as the meet progressed, forcing some players to don sweatshirts for doubles play. Washington handled it well.

"It was a little chilly," Hoyt said. "Once you start moving around you warm up. It's not as bad."

The Warriors return to competition Saturday, hosting the Dave Meier Warrior Invitational at Veterans Memorial Tennis Center. The school announced Wednesday the 19th annual event will be the first named for the late coach.

"It's a fitting tribute," Hammond said. "He usually ran most of that and it was a big event in the beginning of the year. I think it's a really good way to memorialize him."

Singles - Charlie Hammond def. Armin Muhamedagic, 6-3, 6-0; Mitch Blades def. Evan McClain, 6-0, 6-2; Clayton Hoyt def. Sead Sarkic, 6-2, 6-1; Mitch Anderson def. Jacob Meyer, 6-1, 6-2; Ian Fischer def. Tom Richter, 7-6, 7-6; Zach Detweiler def. Alec McClain, 2-6, 7-6, (10-7)

Doubles - Hammond/Blades def. Muhamedagic/Sarkic, 6-2, 6-3; Hoyt/Anderson def. McClain/Richter 6-0, 6-2; Fischer/Detweiter def. Meyer/McClain, 6-3, 6-2