Pine View's Hancock flies into semifinals

At first glance, Pine View High's Wes Hancock seems like nothing more than a typical high school sophomore.

Standing 5-foot-6, the quiet and unassuming Hancock doesn't fit the bill of a person widely regarded as the best high school tennis player in Utah. Yet when he steps on the court, his skills reflect exactly that.

"Wes is the best tennis player in the state," Pine View coach Dow Christenson said. "He's really tough to play against. He has another gear that other people just don't have."

Park City coach Warren Pretorius added, "Wes is head and shoulders above everyone else. He is one of those special players that only comes around every few years."

When he was only a freshman, Hancock won the 3A first singles title. This year as a sophomore at the St. George school, he is looking to defend his title at the tournament being played at Mike's Tennis Academy and The 11th Avenue Courts.

In the opening rounds in the rain-soaked event, Hancock breezed through Tooele's David Christensen and Uintah's Marc Muir, winning both matches in straight sets, 6-0, 6-0.

His performance left many people wondering whether he is beatable. Even his opponents acknowledge that it would take something extraordinary to defeat Hancock.

Judge's Chris Arena, whose match was suspended because of rain, would face Hancock in the semifinals if he is able to win when play resumes.

"If Wes doesn't win the tournament, it will be a cold day in Hades," Arena said. "He is very hard to play."

Christenson says that Hancock's success is mostly the result of his impeccable work ethic. "He works extremely hard," he said. Typically during the season, Hancock spends the majority of his time playing tennis. After school, he goes to Dixie College where he plays for an hour.

Then it's off to Bloomington Country Club, which is owned by his father.

There, he usually plays for about three hours. While he understands that he is the undisputed pick to win, Hancock says he doesn't feel the pressure.

"I can handle being the favorite," he said.

Though Hancock was able to get in his first two rounds of the tournament, rain and hail prevented many others from doing the same. Most second-round matches have been delayed until this morning because of the harsh weather.

Three other first-round matches were suspended until this morning. Because no matches were scheduled to be played today on the 11th Avenue courts, tournament officials are hoping to use the courts to fit in the extra matches.

With the first round almost complete, Park City appears to be the favorite to win the 3A championship. The Miners have garnered five points in the first round. Also, the team is undefeated in second- round matches played before the rain delay. Dixie and Judge are currently in second place with four points apiece.

Several teams have three points.

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