Delta’s Nick Bantz hits against Central during their match at Delta High School on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015.
Yorktown’s Jason Maynard and Johnny Jameson face off against Burris during the boys tennis sectional at Delta High School on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015.
Yorktown’s Jason Maynard and Johnny Jameson face off against Burris during the boys tennis sectional at Delta High School on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015.
Yorktown’s Jason Maynard and Johnny Jameson face off against Burris during the boys tennis sectional at Delta High School on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015.
Delta’s Alec Robillard hits against Central’s Clark Tinder during their singles match at Delta High School on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015.
Central’s Robert Cunningham hits against Delta during their doubles match at Delta High School on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015.
Delta’s Alec Robillard hits against Central’s Clark Tinder during their singles match at Delta High School on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015.
Central’s Robert Cunningham chases after a ball from Delta during their doubles match at Delta High School on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015.
Central’s Clark Tinder hits against Delta’s Alec Robillard in their singles match at Delta High School Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015.
Central’s Robert Cunningham chases after a ball from Delta during their doubles match at Delta High School on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015.
Central’s Clark Tinder hits against Delta’s Alec Robillard in their singles match at Delta High School Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015.
Central’s Clark Tinder hits against Delta’s Alec Robillard in their singles match at Delta High School Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015.
Delta’s Alec Robillard hits against Central’s Clark Tinder during their singles match at Delta High School on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015.
Delta’s Alec Robillard hits against Central’s Clark Tinder during their singles match at Delta High School on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015.
Yorktown’s Abe Rosenthall and Mitchell Minniear face off against Muncie Burris during their match at Delta High School on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015.
Central’s Clark Tinder hits against Delta’s Alec Robillard in their singles match at Delta High School Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015.
Central’s Clark Tinder hits against Delta’s Alec Robillard in their singles match at Delta High School Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015.
Central’s Clark Tinder hits against Delta’s Alec Robillard in their singles match at Delta High School Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015.
Central’s Clark Tinder hits against Delta’s Alec Robillard in their singles match at Delta High School Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015.
Burris’ Connor Kurek hits against Yorktown’s Ian Landwehr during their match at Delta High School on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015.
Yorktown’s Jason Maynard and Johnny Jameson face off against Burris during the boys tennis sectional at Delta High School on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015.
MUNCIE — Yorktown’s No. 3 singles player Wilson Trulock wasn’t in an ideal situation.
With his Tigers and the Burris Owls deadlocked 2-2 at the Delta Sectional, he trailed opponent Ben Adams 1-0 after the first set.
A senior, dropping just one more set meant his career would end, and so would the Yorktown season.
Trulock dominated the second set 6-0 and took the third 6-3, finishing a job he wasn’t expecting to have. He said he didn’t think he’d be playing No. 3 singles when he woke up in the morning, but had no problem doing whatever Yorktown needed.
“I knew that the first set was close, and I had faced this guy before,” Trulock said. “I wanted to be on top, I knew he’s a tough, consistent opponent with an equal forehand and backhand.”
For many athletes, doubt could start to creep into their mind after dropping the first set, especially with the stakes so high.
Not for Trulock. Faced with a win or go home scenario, he said the possible pressure wasn’t even on his mind. He orchestrated the comeback, never appearing to be out of rhythm or focus. Yorktown coach Bob Darby said both he and Trulock were confident after dropping the first set, knowing the senior had played well despite the loss.
“There’s a little bit more on the line, especially for the seniors who may be thinking, ‘This may be the very last match I ever play.'” Darby said. “He drove the ball through the court very well from both sides, especially during the first set when the wind was blowing.”
When the sectional started, Darby thought the winner would be decided during No. 3 singles or No. 2 doubles. Although it did come down to the battle between Trulock and Adams, it was the No. 2 doubles match setting it up.
With Burris trailing 2-1 overall, Donald Ward and Isaac Taylor won 6-3, 6-4, forcing the result to revolve around the winner of the No. 3 singles match. Trulock said he wasn’t expecting his match to be the deciding factor, although he wasn’t fazed when he realized it would be.
And with everyone circled around the court watching the final set, Trulock made his mark.
“Wilson probably played the best he’s played all season,” Darby said. “Rarely missed, I’m very proud and pleased with how he played, he was very solid.”
Throughout the past few seasons, Trulock said he’s watched Ian Landwehr and the doubles team of Mitchell Minniear and Abe Rosenthall. Even if he wasn’t trying to win for himself, he was doing it so they could continue their seasons.
“I honestly look up to them and want to be as good as them,” Trulock said. “It’s an honor to keep them alive.”
Yorktown’s Landwehr won at No. 1 singles, while No. 1 doubles Minniear and Rosenthall also won. For Burris, Joseph Patashinsky won at No. 2 singles. Delta defeated Central 5-0, with 6-0, 6-0 wins coming from No. 2 singles Joe Wegener and No. 3 singles Jason Wegener.
Jay County Sectional
Winchester took down Jay County 4-1 in the opening round. Arick Miller picked up the Golden Falcons’ 6-0, 6-0 win at No. 1 singles, while Mason Melton and Trey Graft won 6-2, 6-4 at No. 1 doubles. Garrett Rodgers earned the Patriots’ lone victory at No. 3 singles 7-5, 6-4.
Marion Sectional
Blackford fell to Marion 5-0. Scott Thompson suffered a 6-0, 6-0 loss for the Bruins at No. 1 singles.
Contact prep sports reporter David Polaski at (765) 213-5848. Follow him on Twitter @DavidPolaskiTSP.