Times-Herald Athlete of the Week: Svenson worth the wait for St. Pat's

May 5-Oskar Svenson had to wait a long time to play tennis for St. Patrick-St. Vincent High School, but once given the opportunity, he's making quite the racket.

The El Cerrito High transfer and current junior had to wait half a season to play tennis with St. Pat's, but was able to go 6-1 in seven matches in the second half of the regular season. In the Tri-County Athletic League singles tournament this past week he did even better, going 4-0, culminating in a championship win over No. 3 seed Matthew Mazzotta of Albany.

Svenson is not only the TCAL singles champion, but also the Times-Herald Athlete of the Week.

The Bruins' junior won the match over Mazzotta in a match that lasted over two hours, winning 6-0, 6-7, 7-6.

"He's an amazing competitor and tennis player, and it was difficult to beat him," Svenson said. "When I was up 6-0 after the first game and dominating, it felt like everything was going right. But then the shots he previously couldn't get to, he started to get to and return. When I was up 6-2 in the third set, it was the same thing. I had the momentum, and I just needed to gain a few more points. After I won, I was not only exhausted, but very hungry. All I wanted to do was head to Chick-fil-A."

A week after the win, Svenson was still feeling the effects.

"It feels amazing to win, but right after the win I didn't want to think about it," Svenson said, with a laugh. "The match went on for so long, I still felt nervous. I won a doubles competition last year, but winning singles feels even better."

Svenson was one of four St. Pat's players ruled ineligible for a full year to play basketball in the winter due to then-North Coast Section Commissioner Pat Cruickshank determining the transfers to "be in whole, or in part, athletically motivated based on pre-enrollment contact as well as the evidence that multiple students have transferred or changed schools to participate in a particular athletic program at one school."

After the basketball season ended, Svenson had to wait half the season to play tennis.

"It was very hard not to play, not only for my ranking but the experience I would have picked up had I played," Svenson said. "Thankfully, the coaches here are amazing. They all play and coach at a high level and were able to help me with my all-around game."

What's the part of Svenson's game that improved the most?

"The forehand. For sure," Svenson said. "The coaches identified it as being a potential weapon, and they knew I liked to use it a lot, so they put a lot of emphasis on making it better."

Svenson said he still enjoys playing basketball more than tennis, but did admit that playing hoops helps prepare him for the tennis court.

"I think basketball, with its competitiveness, helps me on the tennis court," Svenson said. "Basketball is tough, but the mental aspect in tennis is harder. If you lose a point, you need to focus on the next point right away. You need to care less about making mistakes and instead focus on improving your game right then and there."

The North Coast Section tournament will begin later this week on Friday and Saturday.

Honorable mention

David Bernstine III, Vallejo baseball. Bernstine had six hits in two games against Jesse Bethel, including a solo home run.

Llogan Franklin, Vallejo track and field. Franklin won the discus and shot put in a league meet against Bethel and Hercules.

Kylan McNeal, Bethel track and field. McNeal won the 200-meter dash and finished in second place in the 100-meter dash in a league meet against Vallejo and Hercules.

Cristanto Mendoza, Bethel badminton. Mendoza won his No. 1 singles match against Richmond.

Merisier Michesica, Vallejo High track and field. Michesica won the 100- and 200-meter dashes at a league meet against Bethel and Hercules.

Royce Pennington, St. Pat's baseball. Pennington had two hits and scored two runs in a win over John Swett.

Alex Romo, Bethel baseball. Romo finished with two hits, a walk, and a hit by pitch in four plate appearances in a 9-5 win over Vallejo.

Amariano Sikes, Bethel track and field. Sikes won the 100-meter dash and the long jump at a league meet against Vallejo and Hercules.

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