All-Region: Bounce-back ability keeps Andreasen among best in state

Sometimes, an athlete just has to accept that his opponent had a better day than he did.

Sometimes, such an admission can quickly lead to good things.

Kent Andreasen, a junior from Skyview, bounced back from his quarterfinal loss at the Class 4A state tennis tournament with back-to-back victories to earn fourth place.

“I played well, so I wasn’t negative,” Andreasen said of the defeat. “I was pretty positive after that match. And my teammates and coaches brought be back up, too. It wasn’t too tough.”

His attitude helped him to his second consecutive top-four finish. In 2010, Andreasen was the state runner-up. A tougher draw this year pitted quality athletes against each other in the quarters. Still, his bounce-back performance to take home fourth place made Andreasen the pick for The Columbian’s All-Region boys tennis player of the year.

“It’s always cool to finish strong and end on a really good note,” Andreasen said.

Andreasen finished second in the district tournament in the fall — wrapping up the boys’ regular season — then made it to the bi-district tournament finals in the spring in Tacoma. He was disappointed with his play in that loss but did accomplish the main goal — qualifying for state.

He did not have to go far. The 4A state tournament was held in Vancouver.

“I like to travel, but it was nice to sleep in my own bed,” Andreasen said.

This summer, he will get back to traveling. Among his many tournaments this summer will be an national event in Illinois.

All part of the work necessary to excel in his sport.