Weiss Making Up for Missed Time

Calabasas High junior Nick Weiss, who ranked among the the best 16-year-old amateur tennis players in the nation in 1997, missed his sophomore season with the Coyotes because he spent most of last year at the Chris Evert Tennis Academy in Boca Raton, Fla.

There, while playing with other elite players for nine months, Weiss matured--and so did his game.

“It’s tough going against that level of competition every day, but I learned a lot,” he said. “I think I’m playing the best tennis of my life right now.”

For opponents, that’s a scary thought.

Weiss, 17, was ranked No. 11 nationally and No. 1 in Southern California in the U.S. Tennis Assn. boys’ 16s division in 1997. His national ranking dropped to No. 17 and he was unranked in the region in 1998, when his attendance at the academy cut into his play on the California tournament circuit.

He is getting back into the swing of things by playing in weekend tournaments and for Calabasas.

Weiss is playing only in key matches for the Coyotes, and has been in the lineup three times. A sore right shoulder kept him out of two matches last week, and rain postponed a scheduled match Thursday against Malibu, Calabasas’ chief rival for the Frontier League title.

But Weiss is anxious to play again after receiving a doctor’s clearance earlier this week.

“I definitely want to contribute,” Weiss said. “I like the high school scene. It’s fun and it’s less pressure for me. Obviously, the competition’s not always as strong as it is in tournaments, but I definitely want to come out and pick up three wins anytime I come out.”

Calabasas Coach Bob Holycross expects Weiss (9-0) to become a regular in the lineup. Calabasas (4-6, 1-0 in league play), ranked No. 5 in Southern Section Division IV, is 3-0 with Weiss but has struggled without him.

Weiss, a 6-foot-1, 180-pound right-hander, possesses a big serve, a strong backhand and an improving forehand. Weiss and No. 2 player Alex Menichini, a junior ranked No. 17 in Southern California boys’ 16s, anchor a team with no seniors.

“He’s a terrific athlete at that level,” said Barry Horowitz, a private coach who works with Weiss. “He’s certainly going to play Division I college tennis.

“With some players, there’s a limit to how far they’re going to be able to go athletically, but he’s the type of athlete who could still be developing when he’s 21, 22 and 23 years old.”

If the Coyotes develop along with Weiss, they could advance far in the Division IV playoffs. They were eliminated in the second round of the Division III playoffs the previous two seasons.

“Anything I can do to help the team, I told them I’d be willing to do it,” Weiss said. “With me and Alex going, and if our doubles develops, hopefully we’ll be able to compete with anyone.”

Weiss, who was 57-1 in sets as a Calabasas freshman, is playing his first season in boys’ 18s. He is scheduled to play in the prestigious Easter Bowl National Championships on April 2-10 in Haines City, Fla. A strong showing could elevate him to a high position when the first 1999 rankings are released in May.

The tournament will mark Weiss’ first major test since returning from the Chris Evert Tennis Academy late last year.

“Everyone [in Florida] was really motivated,” he said. “It’s a situation where everyone has the exact same goal you do--to become the best tennis player they can be, and that was kind of neat. You learn how to battle, and it forces you to become a smarter player.

“It was a good experience. But you can only be away from home for so long. I’m glad to be back.”