Thank You, Captain Jim

Thank You, Captain Jim

Star Date 08.25.25

Thank you for being our captain, Jim Sichterman. Your hard work in preparing us and guiding us over the years has paid off, as every one of your age groups is enjoying great success in postseason play. Your dedication to us—and to your community as a high school tennis coach—has made a lasting impact. I tip my hat to you and to all of my teammates on a great season.

This year we faced many giants from larger population centers, and we managed to defeat all but one. Congratulations to the team from Oklahoma who edged us out 3-2 in the finals. What a battle! These are memories I will carry for a lifetime. Well done, Team Iowa.

To me, these folks are more than teammates—we are family. Though we’re now back home, a part of our hearts will always remain in Springfield, Missouri. The championship round came only an hour after a dramatic 3-2 semifinal victory against the very Kansas team that had beaten us 3-2 in round-robin play. Every match we played across six rounds of competition was decided by the narrowest of margins—either 3-2 or 2-3.

Jim called my number three times for singles. I wish I could report at least one singles victory, but the truth is my teammates carried me on their backs. All I can say is that my tennis family gave me the best support a 65-year-old could ask for while competing in the Men’s 40+ age group against younger legs. Once again, I can almost hear my kindergarten teacher’s voice in my head: “I think he can do better.”

But this season wasn’t about personal records. It was about heart, perseverance, and brotherhood. Thank you, teammates, for giving your all throughout the year. What a blessing it has been to share this journey with you.

Here’s to another great year ahead—and to memories that will never fade.