Published On: Fri, May 21st, 2010

Hometown Heroes: Luisa Ortiz and Dylan Gunning

By: Pedro Heizer

Olympic Heights High School, a school known for a history of good tennis, is now at the top of the High School Tennis world. Luisa Ortiz, a sophomore at Olympic heights, made it to the states semifinals, where she lost to Sarah Mean, who ended up winning the states. When asked about Luisa’s role in the team head coach Kelley Stephens told the Boca Raton
Tribune “Luisa Ortiz played a huge role in everything.  She played pretty much the whole season undefeated now, both singles and doubles” Also at the top of the tennis high school scene is sophomore Dylan Gunning who also lost in the semifinals. Alex Robles of Naples Barron-Collier defeated Dylan Gunning of Olympic Heights in the No. 1 singles final, 6-2, 6-4. Gunning was the last surviving Lions player in the tournament. “He [Dylan] played a huge crucial role; he pretty much went undefeated the whole year with a few losses. He is ranked in USTA, United States Tennis Association, number 35.” Said Coach Stephens.

The way to get to states is a very weary one. It all begins by playing at the district level, once you become district champion you move on to regionals. Once you win regionals, you go on to play at the state level. “These two athletes are huge role models academically and athletically for the school” added coach Stephens. Both Ortiz and Gunning both won at the district and regional levels and went all the way to the semifinals of the state championship. A great feat by any High School in Boca Raton, At Olympic Heights, it’s their first year in high school history both the boys and girls tennis team made it to the State tournament.

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