David Mair, Staff Writer
The longest tennis match ever recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records lasted 60 hours 59 minutes and 58 seconds. It was played in Missoula, Mont. on March 11, 2011.
The one who holds this record is none other than Pacific Lutheran University’s own tennis player, senior Sam Angel.
“Sam is definitely a positive for our team on and off the court,” said head coach John Cassens.
For Angel, winning that world record was one of his proudest moments. He knew he had done something no one had done before and it even raised money for the children’s shelter in Missoula.
During Angel’s freshmen year of high school, he primarily played soccer, along with baseball. He was interested in tennis because it included aspects of both sports.
Angel saw that tennis was active like soccer and also involved hand-eye coordination like baseball.
Due to his soccer and baseball schedules, Angel missed almost all of the tennis practices. Despite his lack of attendance, he still won junior varsity divisional.
“That was a great feeling and I loved how I picked up the sport so quickly,” said Angel.
When he came to PLU’s courts, Angel said he started at the bottom of the ladder. Now, he has reached his aspirations and rests at the top.
“I feel like I’ve taken on more leadership and I like watching the other guys play where I used to be,” Angel said.
Since he is now a leader on the team, Angel said that he helps motivate the team by example, in addition to encouraging his teammates.
Angel started out 5-4 in singles and 2-1 in doubles during 2011-12 season. He went 6-13 in singles and 7-11 in doubles during the 2012-13 season and 1-12 in singles and 3-10 in doubles during the 2013-14 season.
Right now, the PLU men’s tennis team is 2-5. Angel has been injured this past week, but coach Cassens hopes he’s back for the weekend.
At the midpoint of the season Angel set 5th place as the team’s goal.
Angel acknowledges that the top four teams in the conference are really tough, but he says that he “just wants to have fun with the guys this season and get as many wins as possible.”
As Angel nears the end of his career, he says that the friends he has made thus far will be what he cherishes the most.
“I’ve met some of my best friends and incredible role models through my experience,” Angel said. “The memories will last forever and sharing that with a team is really special.”
