Malcolm Rice and Linn-Mar boys’ tennis team have high standards

MARION — Malcolm Rice has never been satisfied as a tennis player.

As the Linn-Mar senior approaches the stretch run of his high school career, his desire to up his game remains strong.

“I see so much improvement I can still make in my game and in myself,” Rice said. “I think that keeps me striving to get better.”

Rice has been the No. 1 player this season for the No. 2 Lions, a team that just completed a 14-0 regular season that included wins over five top-10 teams. On Wednesday, Rice and his teammates will play in the Class 2A individual singles and doubles district meet at Linn-Mar.

District play in both 1A and 2A begins at various sites around the state at 9 a.m. All district winners and runners-up will advance to the state tournament. Those meets will be on May 21-22 at the Hawkeye Recreation and Tennis Center in Iowa City (2A) and Waterloo's Byrnes Park (1A).

For Rice, his path to state will be in doubles where he will pair with sophomore Garrett Bauermeister. Rice and 2023 graduate Zach Mersch finished fifth at state last season.

After battling a labrum injury last spring that forced him to serve underhand at times, Rice's game has gotten “to another level this season,” said Linn-Mar Coach Chris Wundram.

“He’s improved every year like you would expect, but there’s a significant difference between his junior and senior seasons. The work he has put in is really paying dividends.”

Growing up, Rice played a variety of sports, but said tennis was the one that “stuck” with him. As he developed as a player, one strength always has stood out.

“I take pride in the fact that I am very quick,” he said. “(My speed) helps me do a lot of the things and being fast on the tennis court can make all the difference. I wouldn’t say I have a major weakness on a regular day and that is a big change from my freshman year when my backhand was something that was an obvious weakness of mine.”

Wundram has had many standout players over his Linn-Mar coaching career and Rice is among them.

“I’ve had some really great players over 18 seasons so it’s a challenge to compare.” Wundram said. “From a leadership standpoint, though, he’s right there in the mix.

“Malcolm has some intangibles that you can’t teach. This is one of the tightest-knit teams I’ve had in my career, and Malcolm has a big part in that.”

Rice will continue his tennis career next fall at Wisconsin-Stevens Point, an NCAA Division III school that just reinstated its program two years ago. However, one last portion of prep tennis remains.

“My expectations for the postseason are pretty high,” he said. “It stems from all of the work that I have put in and especially how much work my team has put in during this season and offseason. I would personally like to make the top two in individual state doubles.”

Wundram said Rice's character has been embraced by his teammates.

“He holds himself to a high standard,” Wundram said. “I feel the rest of our team has mirrored his demeanor.”

Rice said Linn-Mar's strong tennis tradition is something he and his teammates have taken pride in upholding

“I can’t stress enough how wonderful of a team this is,” he said. “Every year I have been on varsity the environment has been so friendly and fun.

“Chris does an amazing job with all of the guys. I think that shows every year in how high Linn-Mar (is ranked) as a team.”