One reason Coach Joe Dorner selected Shane (Abe) Richards for the Player of the Week was his level of commitment to the sport of tennis over the past year.  

“He currently is one of our captains and has shown all others on the team how to compete at the next level in the sport of tennis,” Coach Dorner said. “When he joined as a freshman, he had never played tennis before, but I saw his level of drive and desire to become a better player in order to compete at a higher level.”

Abe took it upon himself in the summer to help with the Lakers’ summer program twice a week.   Coach Dorner would hear him point out certain types of plays to try in order to improve other players.   

“He then took it upon himself in the fall to go down the Casco courts and participate in pick-up play with other players from the team and even got other student athletes to play and try tennis out, just to hit around for fun,” the coach noted. “Then, he spent the winter attending private lessons and clinics at the APEX indoor tennis facility in order to prepare for the upcoming season. In one year, Abe has pushed himself both physically and mentally to become a better player and serve as an example for the team to follow.”

As recently as last week, Abe competed in the singles qualifying round for the state and went into a tie breaker and won his first-round match-up, then advanced to the next round. Despite losing in the next round, he was able to recognize what he needed to do in order to continue to grow and compete for the next year and that will help advance the Lakers in order to compete with other schools.  

“I am so proud of the effort and commitment Abe has for the sport of tennis and to set examples for our team,” Coach Dorner added. “He is an excellent example of how anyone can pick up tennis or any other sport, and get better at it with the right level of commitment and desire such as what Abe has shown for not only our team, but our school community!” 

In recognition of his strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Abe is this week’s Boosters and Hancock Lumber “Player of the Week.” Each week, a Lake Region athlete is recognized for his/her dedication (does more than what is asked), work ethic, coachability and academic good standing. Recipients receive a specially-designed t-shirt, sponsored by Hancock Lumber.

Name: Abe Richards

What town do you live in: Casco

Year in School: Sophomore

Parents: Shane Richards and Elle Webber

Sports you play: Tennis

Why did you choose tennis? Tennis helps me deal with physical, mental, social and emotional challenges, which helps my capacity to deal with stress, and most importantly, it’s a sport I can play for a lifetime.

What do you enjoy most about tennis? Tennis is the sport I love the most because I’m very competitive and I can make lifelong friends. 

How has competing in sports changed you as a person? Tennis has humbled me as a person. I feel very confident in my playing abilities to compete and win against the top players in the state.

What is one of your most memorable sports moments? My most memorable sports moment was when I won my first U-16 tennis tournament. 

What is your most disappointing sports memory? I played a two-hour match and ended up losing, but I learned a lot from that experience.

How has sports prepared you for your future (be it career path or approach to life)? Tennis and most other sports builds character, teaches and develops strategic thinking, analytical thinking, leadership skills, goal setting and risk taking.

Name a coach who has made a difference in your life? Joe Dorner is the person that has helped me not only on the court but in life itself. I appreciate everything he’s taught me and I’m very excited to spend the next two years of my high school career with him by my side. 

What are your future goals? I hope to play and compete at a D2 college, build on my academics, and be the best person I can possibly be. 

Ten years from now, when you look back on your high school sports career, what do you think you will remember most? In 10 years from now, I will look back on my memorable high school tennis years and be the happiest guy ever. It’s been wonderful to be with my friends and family on and off the court.