Correction: Daniel’s last name was corrected from Garcia to Vinterfeld.
It has been two years since tennis has seen the state championships. And sending half of the team to Ojai is an accomplishment for Head Coach Long Dao.
The tournament has existed for more than 100 years, and has always been in Ojai.
Although, this is where community college state championships are, there are many other matches and divisions playing as well.
“It’s very interesting, in that, there’s a lot of different divisions play. So they have everything from men’s opening, which are either former pros, pros or former division one players and they also have women’s open,” Dao said.
Dao said it’s exciting to participate in and his tells his player that.
“What I tell my guys is this is the most fun tournament to be at, hands down,” Dao said.
Gavin Dail is playing in the tournament in singles and in a doubles match.
His cousin, Siraj Dail, is also on the team and going to Ojai.
“I think it’s a lot more different than having your brother,” Gavin Dail said.”It’s more competition.”
Siraj and Gavin drive each other to do better, but in a different way than with their other teammates.
Darvel Lossangoye is playing in the singles. He will also play in the doubles match with Gavin Dail.
“First, tennis is an individual sport, so usually the most important play is in singles. But, it’s important to be a team player as well,” Lossangoye said.
Siraj Dail plays at 8 a.m. on April 26, at Rio Mesa High School in Oxnard, Calif.
Gavin Dail plays at 9:30 a.m. on April 26, at Hueneme High School in Oxnard, Calif.
Darvel Lossangoye plays at 9:30 a.m. on April 26, at Pacifica High School in Oxnard, Calif.
If any of the three singles players win their match, they advance to next round on Friday, April 27.
Siraj Dail and Daniel Vinterfeld play their doubles match at Hueneme High School on April 26, at 1 p.m.
Gavin Dail and Lossangoye play their doubles match at Pacifica High School on April 26, at 3:30 p.m.
If either doubles team wins their match, they advance to next round on Friday, April 27.