H-S Athlete of the week: Max Henson, Belle Vernon
Submitted photo
Name: Max Henson
Year: Junior
Sport: Tennis
School: Belle Vernon
Henson’s week: In his first WPIAL Class 2A Individual tournament, the junior made history by becoming the first male at Belle Vernon to win a district title in tennis.
Henson defeated North Catholic’s Justin Garvey, 6-1, 6-1, in the final last Friday at Bethel Park High School.
Henson was the No. 1 seed entering the WPIAL Class 2A tournament after winning the Class 2A Section 2 championship in dominating fashion. He only lost one game in his four victories.
Henson opened the WPIAL tournament with a 10-0 victory over Blackhawk’s Mike Lanigan before a 10-0 triumph over Indiana’s Gabe Nettleton in the quarterfinals.
He topped Montour’s John Rohrkaste, 6-1, 6-0, in the semifinals before his straight-sets victory over Garvey.
Henson didn’t have much of a celebration, as he took off for a tournament in Grand Rapids, Mich., once he received his gold medal.
“I play tournaments all year, but this was my first time playing in high school tournaments,” Henson said. “I was happy to win, but for me, the WPIALs was just another tournament.”
Belle Vernon doesn’t field a boys or girls tennis team, but it has three district championships, as Gabby Dusi won her second WPIAL title in the fall.
“It would be cool if Belle Vernon got a tennis team,” Henson said. “Hopefully, with the success Gabby and I have had, it would be a possibility.”
Way of life: Henson was introduced to the sport of tennis 12 years ago when his father took him to a lesson at the Greensburg Racquet Club. He started to take tennis seriously around the age of 9 or 10.
“My dad used to play at the Greensburg Racquet Club, and that is where I got my start,” Henson said. “I still train at the Greensburg Racquet Club. I was training in Florida around the clock. We have a place in Florida, but we stay up here. Florida was more like a vacation home. I just kind of blossomed from a hobby into a lifestyle.”
Next level: Henson has committed to continue his academic and tennis careers at Cleveland State. He was playing the national clay court championships when the head coach Brian Etzkin came to watch him play.
“I had my official visit in October where I met all the guys and stayed in the dorms,” Henson said. “I am excited to attend Cleveland State and continue playing tennis. It is nice that it’s close to my hometown.”
Ready for Hershey: Henson will compete for a state championship May 23 and 24 at the Hershey Racquet Club. He is not looking to make it anything more than it is.
“I am just going to treat it like another tournament,” Henson said. “I will play a few more tournaments, not exactly sure how many, to get me prepared for states. I would like to thank my mom, dad, coaches, family and friends for everything they have done for me.”