District tennis: Ethan Smerglia is large part of Elyria Catholic's renaissance

Four years ago, Ethan Smerglia joined an Elyria Catholic program entering varsity competition for the first time after an extended absence. Today, that program is in the midst of one of its most successful seasons in recent memory.Smerglia has evolved into one of the area's top players in parallel with the program steadily building back up. The Panthers have about 20 players on the team, not bad considering in 2022 they were competing on a club schedule. Four of them — two in singles and one in doubles — reached the sectional quarterfinals."When I first came in as a freshman, it was just me and five of my buddies who just wanted to play tennis," said Smerglia, who takes an 11-7 record into today's district tournament. "To see what we've built it up to now is just crazy. We have a bunch of kids in grades below us who did the same thing, came and tried it out. It's really nice to see everybody learn so quickly. Everybody's hard work over the past four years has really made this season so special."And Smerglia, its top player, was sectional runner-up, becoming the school's first district qualifier in quite a while. According to the Ohio High School Athletic Association archives, the school's last state qualifier came in 2001 when the doubles team of Michael Herrick and Jake Dowdell finished third in Division II.The school's last state qualifier in singles was Gary Meckler in 1988, according to the OHSAA."I'm definitely proud of what I've accomplished," Smerglia said. "I'm proud of how hard I've worked to get to this point. I've been working for this the past four years. I'm definitely proud of where I'm at now, but there's still work to be done."Smerglia is one of seven players from Lorain County competing at district tournaments beginning today and concluding Saturday. Joining him are Avon's Aarav Kishorepuria, Blake Netschke and Ashton Schwanger along with St. Ignatius' Cody Hodge — a North Ridgeville resident — in the Division I Northeast district tournament at the Springside Athletic Club.Vermilion's Timothy Anders and Sean Rini will compete in the Division II Northwest doubles draw at Port Clinton. Smerglia also will compete at Springside, but in the Division II singles draw.Smerglia brings a consistent serve to the table, he estimated only two double faults in his sectional semifinal and championship matches combined, and a strong forehand. He said one of the biggest things he's focused on throughout his career is improving his footwork, especially this past offseason.Elyria Catholic coach Judd Smerglia, Ethan's father, said one of the reasons for his improvement this year was his focus on match play in the offseason. While Ethan always worked hard to better his technical skills, this past offseason he focused more on playing matches and improved his ability to create points and adjust on the court to his opponent."Having never played tennis before high school Ethan found a game he and his friends could play and have fun while working to get better," Judd Smerglia said. "Through his hard work and a desire to excel he has become a really strong player while finding enjoyment in the journey."Smerglia may be the only player from Elyria Catholic to reach the district tournament, but the Panthers have had a great season overall. Tyler Moore and Noah Hanlon reached the Strongsville sectional quarterfinals in doubles while Grant Szczepanski, the team's No. 2 player, did so in singles. All three of them are juniors.Elyria Catholic's 12-2 record is its best and first winning season since returning to varsity competition in 2023, having won just 13 matches in the previous three years combined. The Panthers were runner-up in the North Coast Conference tournament this year, behind perennial powerhouse Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy.All seven starters on varsity placed on the All-NCC team — Smerglia, Szczepanski and the first doubles team of seniors Andrew Shebak and Colm McGgrath all on the first team. Jacob Bright, Moore and Hanlon were second team all-conference at third singles and second doubles, respectively."This senior class has built a huge legacy," Judd Smerglia said. "They have created an environment where competition and hard work have led to success for all levels of our program. They have done an amazing job and I am very proud of what they have accomplished."Contact Chris Sweeney at (440) 329-7135 or ctsports@chroniclet.com. Follow him @CSweeney1686 on X.