ROCKINGHAM — Freshman tennis player Ty Murray has been named the ROSports Official Richmond County Male Athlete of the Week presented by Moss Brothers Tires & Service.
It was a busy week for Murray and the Raider tennis team, which participated in three matches ahead of the NCHSAA’s statewide suspension of all sports due to the spread of the coronavirus. Richmond earned two wins to start its season, seeing Murray lock down his spot in the lineup to help the Raiders.
Currently in his inaugural season with the team and the sport, this is Murray’s first career selection.
Athletic Profile
Age: 14
Birthday: May 18, 2005
Year: Freshman
Spring Sport: Tennis
Position: No. 5 Seed
Years on Varsity: 1 year
Height & Weight: 5-3, 113 pounds
Experience: 1 year
“SERVE’S UP” WITH TY MURRAY
In his first season with the Raider tennis team, Murray has been one of head coach Patrick Hope’s most consistent players. Murray has floated back and forth between the No. 4 and No. 5 singles slots, and earned four wins to start his high school career.
Last Monday, the Raiders traveled to Sandhills Athletic Conference opponent Seventy-First High School, where Murray earned wins in the No. 4 singles and No. 1 doubles competitions.
The Falcons are a first-year co-ed program and Murray defeated Jenay Lewis in straight sets (6-0, 6-0) in singles. He followed that up with a doubles win with fellow freshman Ethan McDonald, as the pair defeated Aaliyah Smith and Carlos Soto 8-0.
Richmond returned with a 6-3 win over SAC opponent Purnell Swett High School on Tuesday. Murray slid to the No. 5 singles slot and had no trouble against Tucker Lowry, blanking the Rams’ player 8-0 in prorated sets.
Again he and McDonald paired up for doubles, this time taking on Lowry and Gabriel Scott in the No. 3 slate. The freshman duo made quick work against their Purnell Swett counterparts, winning 8-0. Through his first two matches, Murray was a perfect 4-0.
In the Raiders’ third and final match of the week against powerhouse Pinecrest High School, Murray would be the only Richmond player to tally a point against the Patriots. He fell in the No. 5 singles match 8-1 to Aidan Lyons.
Raider Video Chats: Due to the coronavirus outbreak and school being suspended for the next two weeks, ROSports did not do a video interview with Murray. Instead, he participated in a phone interview and answered the following questions regarding his performance so far this season.
ROSports: You’re new to tennis this season. What has been the key to your success so far?
Murray: “I’m mainly just focusing on what I’m doing on the court, and trying to stay calm and relaxed,” Murray said. “And I’m putting the ball where it needs to go.
“Tennis is a lot of fun,” he added “I think I’m going to enjoy it over the next four years. My whole family played, so I think I naturally liked it.”
ROSports: Between singles and doubles events, which do you enjoy the most? Which of the two is most challenging?
Murray: “Singles is my favorite because I like the intensity of it being one-on-one,” Murray explained. “And it’s more of a challenge.
“Doubles is fun, and it’s more about teamwork. We have to work together and decide whether or not to call for the ball.”
ROSports: A multi-sport athlete who also plays soccer, what are some similarities and differences between these two sports?
Murray: “The intensity is the same for both sports because I have that drive to want to win,” Murray said. “But the teamwork is different. In tennis singles, if you mess up that’s on you. With soccer, there are more people to rely on.”
ROSports: The statewide suspension on all sports has put a hold on your and the Raiders’ early-season success. What are you going to do during your time off to keep getting better?
Murray: “It’s a bummer, but a smart call,” Murray commented. “I felt like I was just getting my feet under me, and getting to understand the game better.
“I’m going to keep working out and run around my neighborhood to stay in shape and stay ready to go.”
ROSports: If you could have any superpower for an entire day, which would you choose and why?
Murray: “Super speed because I could travel everywhere really fast,” Murray closed with a laugh.
