Sara Lund and Alec Rudh are the 2017 Tennis Scholarship Winners

      For many years, the Hastings Women’s Tennis League has given a scholarship to a deserving female senior who has been an active participant in Hastings’ various tennis programs. This year, the Hastings Men’s Tennis League created a scholarship as well to recognize the achievements of a senior male tennis player. The 2017 scholarships were presented to Sara Lund and Alec Rudh at the Awards Night held on May 22.

            Sara Lund, daughter of Steve and Julie Lund, is involved in not only tennis, but Riverside Company, Link Crew, National Honors Society, dance, and is a Fellowship of Christian Athletes leader.  Sara has played tennis for as long as she can remember and has been a member of the varsity tennis team for four years and was a team captain this past year. Sara has also been a member on various USTA teams over the years. For Sara, tennis has taught her patience and how to persevere even if the match score was one-sided, two qualities that she can apply in her everyday life. Sara’s favorite part about tennis is the fact that she can play as an individual while being part of a team. Because tennis has always been an important part of Sara’s life, she says she is definitely going to miss coming to practice every day and hanging with her teammates. On and off the tennis courts, two positive role models for Sara in the tennis community are Marissa Welch and Jill Weinzettel.  She is thankful for the commitment these two individuals made to help her to not only improve her tennis skills but to serve as role models and mentors as well. Next fall, Sara will attend Bethel University, where she hopes to serve as manager for the Bethel women’s tennis team.  This will allow her to hit with the team and to reconnect with Jill Weinzettel, a current Bethel tennis player.   

            Alec Rudh, son of Tim and Jody Rudh, is involved in Peer Helpers and National Honor Society.  He was also a member and captain of this year’s varsity hockey team.  He is the leader of the high school’s sports leadership class and an active sports blog writer. Alec has played tennis for five years and has been a member of the varsity tennis team for four years.  He is the team’s current captain. When ever HTA needs help, Alec has been wiling to set up to help.  He enjoys coaching tennis and mentoring younger players.  Like Sara, Alec has played USTA team tennis for many years. Tennis taught Alec how to be a good sport and how to be a team player and a good teammate, something that he is able to use as he continues to play tennis.  Alec’s favorite part about tennis is competing against new players and connecting with people who love tennis as much as he does. Because tennis has been a big part of his high school years, he admits that he will miss the long runs the team made in the section tournament and his teammates whom he shares many memories. Alec has been positively influenced by Mick Willette, longtime Hastings varsity tennis coach and is proud to be able to call him a mentor.  Next fall, Alec will attend Saint Mary’s University, where he will major in sports management.  At Saint Mary’s, Alec will continue is tennis career as a member of the university’s men’s tennis team. 

            HTA congratulates Sara and Alec and wishes them the best.