Pats' Milbrandt keeps competition in check

By STEVE PILONI

Mark Milbrandt’s to-do list grew noticeably shorter during the 2008 high school boys tennis season.
The Great Valley junior’s memorable season included a number of accomplishments that set him apart from every other area player.
Playing at first singles for the Patriots, Milbrandt won all of his regular-season dual matches without much of a problem.
He also went undefeated during Great Valley’s run through the District 1 Class AAA team playoffs, and the PIAA Class AAA team playoffs.
Competing as an individual, he earned the Ches-Mont League American Division singles title.
Milbrandt then checked off the “Win District 1 Class AAA singles championship” notation on his list. That was a big one considering he beat North Penn’s Chris Hasyn, the defending state champion, 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the final.
About the only thing left for the Daily Local News All-Area Tennis Player of the Year was a state title, and he came awfully close to that one.
Once again, he tangled with Hasyn in the championship match. However, the North Penn senior prevailed 7-5, 6-4, leaving Milbrandt with just one blemish on his 2008 record and one more major item on the to-do list for next season.
“Chris is a nice kid,” said Great Valley head coach Paul Waltz. “But Mark did not play his best and still almost won. He got anxious and got away from himself.
“For three months he played unbelievable tennis, and did a great job getting to the state finals. He won’t tell you it bothered him, but he played the state final with tendinitis in his rotator cuff and a small tear in a muscle in his shoulder.”
Milbrandt noticed the injury before the state team playoffs, but continued competing anyway. Although he made it through the state singles tournament with the injury, Milbrandt was forced to take time off from his usually busy summer schedule.
“It’s definitely a lot better,’‘ he said. “During practice I could barely hit a serve or a forehand. But when I got into matches I guess adrenalin took the pain away – and all the Advil.
“Chris played better in the state final, but my emotional state wasn’t the same. I wasn’t as calm as I was at districts.”
Milbrandt is confident the injury won’t be a problem once next season’s high school schedule rolls around.
He’ll be a heavy favorite at both the district and state level because of his solid all-around game, including a rare commodity in tennis these days – proficiency at the net.
“There’s nothing he can’t do,” said Waltz. “His groundstrokes are great, and his volleys set him apart. His first serve is huge, and he has one of the best kick second serves I’ve seen. The only things that holds him back is his confidence level. But his skill level is enormous and will only get better.”
To contact staff writer Steve Piloni, send an e-mail to sports@dailylocal.com.