By Derek Simon [email protected] Hastings High School Athletic Director Trent Hanson has announced that the school has hired Alex Zuzek has their new head coach for the boy’s tennis team. Zuzek is a 2014 Hastings High School graduate who played tennis and basketball for the Raiders. He attended St. Mary’s University where he also played tennis. Zuzek is currently employed as a social studies teacher at the Hastings Middle School, Head Coach is an expansion of his role in the school district.

He is the son of Mark and Janet Zuzek. Mark, of course, is the beloved former principal of the Hastings Middle School. Janet also worked in Hastings for 30 years.Speaking of his parents, he said, “Being hired here is awesome, this makes being back at the middle school such a special experience. My mom is a big tennis fan and watches the Majors on TV. They started me playing tennis for Sheri Mattson in kindergarten. They have made me who I am, and I am so thankful to have such fantastic parents and role models.”

When Coach Zuzek was asked about his memories of his time at Hastings High School, he had this to say, “In high school I was a member of varsity for almost all four years. I played some singles and doubles. I really have always enjoyed doubles more. My senior year I was all conference in our old conference the SEC at one doubles. I really enjoyed playing for Mick Willete and playing with guys that were like brothers to me. I was also on the basketball team, which I am now an assistant coach of. I was a member of Riverside Company and a participant in Student Council as well. I kept busy, but tennis was my favorite thing to do then.”

After graduating from Hastings High School, Zuzek attended St. Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota He acknowledged many of his successes at SMU, both personal and on the court to his coach, Jeff Halberg. “I look back at the player I was entering college was nothing compared to the player I was leaving it,” He said.

Zuzek was on the exhibition roster for two years, which is similar to Junior Varsity in High School. His final two years he made it into both the singles and doubles lineups. “I honestly do not remember most matches specifically, other than some close 5-4 victories as a team. What sticks out is the camaraderie that was developed on our various weekend trips as a team. We stayed in Milwaukee, in Mankato, and even in Florida. All those trips were what was truly special. Again, the best part was playing with my best friends,” Zuzek added.

Every coach is different, so what will his coaching style be and how does he envision teaching his players. He stated, “I am definitely a process/ teacher coach. I really like coaching in the close matches and energy that goes into that, but I see that as impossible if you do not build in practice and make the most of each day. I really believe you cannot coach technique during the moments, so you must build that before. I would say also that I am not strict, but I have expectations for commitment to the team and the energy level that is needed. The greatest thing as coaches, that we can do is build people. We must turn them into good people and that is paramount. I think when we build in this relationship and these expectations it becomes naturally motivating.”

Once the shutdown is over, you will find coach Zuzek on the sidelines as an assistant coach for the boys’ basketball team this winter. The boy’s tennis season will start this spring.

2014 Hastings Graduate and current middle school teacher, Alex Zuzek, will take the reigns as the Head Coach for Boys Tennis this year. Photo Courtesy of Alex Zuzek