Sac City Express » Mario Yanez

Tennis is no laughing matter

Yvette Lessard — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 02:49:39 +0000

Mario Yanez has been playing tennis since 1998. Photo by Jack Remson

Mario Yanez is dedicated to tennis. He sweats profusely as he hops at rabbit speed to return the service his opponent launched at him with a lethal and devious look. He doesn’t care about the foe and returns the lime green tennis fuzz ball with the same intensity and dedication, with a simple whack of the blood red racket.

When it comes to playing on the court, Yanez gives his all and leaves with no regrets or resentments of his performance. He resembles the determination of Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal and Pete Sampras, but in the end has no interest in pursuing the sport professionally.

A newcomer to City College’s tennis team Yanez says he began playing as soon as his father taught him to hit the ball on his own.
He says his father, who also played tennis from a young age, has remained supportive of his hobby.

“I got my son involved in tennis because it is a great sport,” says Rafael Yanez, his father, “and I played it all my life and I knew that I wanted him to be my doubles partner someday.”

He says he continues to stay involved in his son’s tennis career by watching him play and practicing regularly.

A player since 1998, the criminal justice major says that while he doesn’t plan to make a career out of the sport, it’s value as a competitive workout keeps him playing. He’s continues to play with his father’s support.

“My dad, the one who got me into the tennis game, played with me every day until I got better,” Yanez says. “He always pushed me and told me to never give up.”

Like everything else, he doesn’t take things lightly.

“Every time my dad and I get to play together, I don’t take it lightly because not many sons get to play with their dads together and you never know how long that will last for,” Yanez says.

Yanez says he likes to play smart, thinking about his strategy as he plays, and is focusing on learning from his games.

“I like to play people who are better then me because I learn more and get a lot of experience,” Yanez says. “But the only way you are going to get better is by practicing and drilling a lot and just being fit.”

He says he decided to come to City College not because of the tennis opportunities but because of the school’s environment and that it will foster his improvement.

PHOTO GALLERY: Both tennis teams lose against Modesto

Exie Frazier — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 21:23:09 +0000

The City College tennis teams fell to the Modesto Junior College Pirates on March 19. The weather was warm, and so were a few of the players’ composure on the courts as the Panthers fought hard.

The women’s team lost 2 -7 against MJC. But the ladies showed excellent sportsmanship, keeping their emotions toward a challenging competitor almost invisible.

The men’s team faced a tough MJC squad and other challenges. Mario Yanez’s shoe developed a hole on the bottom, affecting his performance. But Yanez had a lot of support from his teammates.

“I’m sure they played to the best of their abilities,” Yanez said.

A few outbursts and comments of frustration came from the men as they stumbled against the Pirates. But at the end, the Pirates, who definitely stole the show from the Panthers, were respectful in their victory. The men’s match ended with MJC winning all nine matches.

“They’re still continuing with their process of learning,” head coach David Griffin said, “And that’s, frankly, tough.”

Tennis teams warm up to new season

Online Staff — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 01:37:22 +0000

City College men’s and women’s tennis team prepares for their new spring season, with their first opponent being bad weather.

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