by Caitlin Jefferson '22
Senior Jack Hibbard (Valparaiso, Ind./Wheeler) of the Ohio Wesleyan men's tennis team reached his 100th career win, including both singles and doubles, when he posted singles and doubles wins in matches against Earlham and Thomas More on Saturday.
Hibbard was not aware that he was so close to reaching this milestone until just before his second match on Saturday. He went into this match knowing what was on the line, but winning did not feel like much to him, it just felt like a number. The impact of this win soon sank in, however, as he received overwhelming love and support from his team and his family.
"My coach came over to me and gave me a big hug and said 'Congratulations,' and one by one my teammates followed," said Hibbard. "Then my parents and friends [came] and it started to sink in a lot more."
Hibbard said he has always been injury-prone, so he is very grateful to have been able to play so many matches and win 100 to reach this milestone. Each of his wins has been for a school that he loves and more importantly, he mentions, for the people he loves: his teammates, coaches, parents, and all those who have shaped him as a player.
"That's what makes this and playing for OWU so special," said Hibbard. "It is that feeling of wanting to represent your school every day to the best of your ability because it is what this school deserves."
Head Coach Rob Postma can attest to Hibbard's talent and drive. He believes Hibbard works very hard at school and uses his extra time wisely to work out and practice.
"Jack is the perfect example of a Division III athlete, but he has come a long way," said Postma. "If you pull up his freshman team picture this year, [you can see] he has matured a lot, gotten stronger, he is more focused and is having more fun."
Postma also mentions that Hibbard began his freshman year playing No. 5 and No. 6 singles and steadily improved to No. 1, and he is doing well at it.
Hibbard has battled through injuries and played every position in the lineup, landing this year at No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles.
"Representing OWU at number one is even more special than I ever dreamed of, so every win this year has been extra meaningful," said Hibbard.
Hibbard's good friend and former doubles partner, Shouta Fukamachi, has won many matches with him.
"We had great wins over great schools, too many to count but all so memorable, and he actually has the wins record here at OWU," said Hibbard.
Fukamachi encourages Hibbard to beat his number of 111 career wins and Hibbard looks forward to trying this season.
Ohio Wesleyan opens its North Coast Athletic Conference West Division schedule today against Denison. The Bishops then take off for Orlando, Fla., for 5 matches next week.
