by Matt Cresto
Staff Writer
Josh Horwitz and Chad Rodriguez have lived across the street from each other their entire lives. They did not become familiar with each other until their tennis careers brought them together.
Now both are freshmen co-captains of the University of La Verne tennis team, ranked number one and two on the squad, are ranked third in doubles in SCIAC, but most importantly have become great friends.
The two players did not meet until seventh grade, where they both played for the Upland Tennis Club. They were playing against a friend of theirs and wanted to be matched up against him. They ended up playing doubles together that day and have played together ever since.
Over the past six years, the two have made a name for themselves in Southern California. Both players were recruited heavily by La Verne head coach Steve Bergovoy. They played doubles together at Upland High School for four years where they became ranked fourth in Southern California in the 18 and under division.
“I pushed these guys hard all year long,” said Bergovoy.
This year the two not only had to take on the challenge of facing the SCIAC’s top contenders, but also take the role of team captains.
“It was very surprising. It was a lot of pressure,” said Rodriguez. “I thought I could handle it since I was captain on my high school team.”
This year the two were able to pull off some big upsets as partners, as well as individually. Horwitz recalls the match when he and Rodriguez defeated the No. 25 team in the nation from Redlands as one of their best matches.
Rodriguez was impressed with he and his partner’s play against San Bernardino Valley College when they were down 1-7 in the final set and were able to come back and win the tiebreaker 9-8.
“It showed how well we can really work together,” said Rodriguez.
Both players feel that playing with the other has made them a better player and the time they have played together has helped their game.
“We know what each one is thinking,” said Horwitz. “We always agree on what we are doing.”
Both players had similar feelings on their abilities with each other and how they read the other player on the court.
“We know what each other is going to do before we do it,” said Rodriguez. “This makes us more powerful.”
This year the Leopards got out to their best start in 20 years with the leadership and talent of Horwitz and Rodriguez. The season did take its toll on the Leopards as they finished the year in fifth place in SCIAC.
The season lasted a month longer than the high school season. They both felt that they were able to endure the process.
“It wore us down at the end of this year,” said Horwitz.
Both Rodriguez and Horwitz said that they hope to improve next year on their doubles performance. The pair ended the season with a doubles record of 13-4.
Rodriguez said he has a goal of becoming an All-American, which is probably on Horwitz’s mind as well. Horwitz said that he would also like to take his team to Nationals.
The co-captains and the Leopards look to be strong in the future.
“I could play doubles with anyone,” said Rodriguez. “But with Josh it just raises my game.”
