MORGANTOWN – The University High boys’ tennis team has been on a tear throughout 2026, compiling a perfect team record of 13-0 during the regular season.
With a lineup anchored by brothers Alexander and Kalman Nagy, the Hawks’ starting rotation has been a model for consistency.
Coach Ron Carrington knew early on that his team had the fortitude to be successful, as the first week of practice was held in rainy conditions.
“We emphasize a culture of positivity and connection to our mascot, the Hawk,” he said. “Have fun, Apply yourself, Want it more, Kick butt, Savor the experience. The results of our philosophy speak for themselves.”
Carrington says the mental strength of his team was put to the test early in the season when the Hawks faced arch-rival Morgantown High.
UHS squeaked out a 4-3 victory over the Mohigans that set the tone for the rest of the regular season schedule.
After the pivotal victory over MHS, the Hawks went on a relentless tear, racking up victories over programs like Charleston Catholic, Wheeling Park, Bridgeport, Jefferson, and John Marshall.
Danny Weir and Trace McLaren round out the singles lineup for the Hawks. The Nagy brothers pair up to make the top doubles team as well, with Weir and McLaren representing the No. 2 doubles spot. Deven Ramanathan and Alex Furbee make up the final doubles pairing for UHS.
Coach Ron sees his role with the University High School boys’ tennis team as extending well beyond the court.
“Coaching these young men isn’t just about serves, volleys, and backhands,” he said. “Especially when you’ve got players like the Nagy brothers, who have anchored us in singles and doubles and are among the best in the state — they’re better tennis players than me.”
For Ron, an undefeated season isn’t about attention or accolades. It’s about shaping perspective.
His message is simple, but deliberate: “The most important point in tennis is the next point.”
It’s a phrase he leans on to build mental toughness, one he hopes carries over into life beyond matches and scorelines. Whether it’s a missed volley or a tough loss, Ron emphasizes that dwelling on mistakes only leads to more of the same.
Instead, he encourages his players to reset, step back to the baseline, refocus, and move forward.
Because, as he tells them, life mirrors the rhythm of a match. It isn’t about perfection. It’s about resilience.
Bad grade. Tough day. Unexpected loss. The circumstances change, but the response doesn’t.
Let go of the frustration. Drop the ego. Control what comes next.
In Coach Carrington’s program, every setback is simply another setup, another chance to respond, to improve, and to compete again.
“With the postseason ahead of us, I hope we can carry the lessons we learned in those tough practices we had the first week of practice,” Carrington said. “We’ve proven perfection isn’t just about talent, it’s about rallying around each other to push ourselves beyond our limits.”
The Hawks will aim to continue their impressive season at the Region I team finals on May 4 and 5, followed by the Region I individual finals on May 7 and 8. Qualifying players and teams will then head to Charleston for the state tournament, May 14th through 16th.
“At a recent practice, I asked our guys what they thought the most important point of the match was,” Carrington said. “I got a bunch of answers; break point, first point, match point. Nobody bothered to say the answer; the next point.”
