This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
04/08/2016 12:00 AMRob Messer knows all about the competitive climate of SCC boys’ tennis from both a player’s and coach’s perspective and the Guilford Indians are ready to use his expertise to try and carry them toward more state crowns.
Rob was part of an undefeated state title club in his senior year at Amity before graduating in 2004. Then after coaching North Haven boys’ tennis for two seasons, Rob went back to school for his master’s at Quinnipiac University and is currently in his third year teaching 3rd grade at Melissa Jones Elementary School in Guilford, which is where he lives. This spring, Rob is returning to high school tennis as the new boys’ head coach at Guilford, after which he will start as the head pro at the High Lane Club in North Haven.
“I was hungry to coach, so I saw this as the perfect opportunity and jumped on it. I also love the community and town here in Guilford,” says Rob. “Coaching never really left my brain and I always wanted another coaching job. I kept looking for openings until I saw this one. I sat down with [Guilford Athletic Director] Jake Jarvis and [Indians’ girls’ tennis coach] Chris Marra for a lengthy interview that went great and they offered me the job a week later.”
Both the school year and a sports season can be quite the grind. That’s why Rob wants his athletes to focus on winning each day one at a time, so they can unlock their potential in both competition and the classroom.
“I want to make everyone better than they were the day before. With everyone giving 110 percent, they will get better by leaps and bounds. I strive for everyone to set goals and reach them,” says Rob. “I love the camaraderie of high school teams. I love the chemistry a team develops through ups and downs. To see them do things they thought they could never do, it’s all worth it to me. I also like the joy of competition. There’s nothing like you versus the opponent in tennis. You get to see the kids really battle, plus it’s a great sport they can play all their lives.”
Rob’s new colleague, Coach Marra, says that Rob’s vast background on the tennis court really stood out during their interview.
“We had a couple of great candidates, but in the end, what set Rob apart was his experience and knowledge of the game,” says Marra. “He also has a great disposition and will be the right kind of coach to take over the program.”
Rob inherits a program that’s won two Class M state titles since 2010. Still, Rob says that it’s more about what lies ahead than what’s in the rearview mirror.
“It’s nice to come into a program with a foundation, but it’s important to not rest on laurels and always be looking forward,” Rob says. “We have a nice mix of upperclassmen, along with freshmen and sophomores, so it’s a nice time to transition in with it being a fresh start for some kids, too. We can’t be satisfied, though. We have to be hungry for more.”
Getting back to the top of the state heap is certainly on Rob’s radar, although he also wants Guilford to push for SCC supremacy, while cultivating players of high character.
“I’d like to really make some noise in the SCC. We are in the top division with some elite teams, so we’d like to make a good showing in that tournament and in states,” says Rob. “We want to keep the tradition of winning going on and off the court. I want to create successful and talented student-athletes that also work hard. Ultimately, I’d like to see us win a state title in two years.”
Rob helped North Haven make strides in his two-year stint as a coach at the high school. In a few months, he’ll be back in town when he begins his tenure at the High Lane Club.
“My experience at NHHS was great. We sent a couple kids to states in my first year, which was nice for them, but it was a real achievement to have them go as a team my second year. I remember that was something that they all really wanted and strived for,” Rob says. “I am just starting this upcoming summer as the head pro at High Lane, so my actual experience is limited thus far. However, I already have a good feeling about it. The tennis board is very passionate about their tennis program and seeing it continue to grow with many different events that involve all levels of players. Also, many members have already reached out to me, welcoming me into what seems like a very warm community. I’m excited to start there this summer.”