Mounds View tennis player Tyler Wiegert aspires to pursue a career in politics. The Mustangs' senior captain has participated in multiple extracurricular activities at school while preparing to double-major in political science and economics in college next year.
Wiegert, who was all-conference last year, will play No. 1 doubles this season.
Q What's it like playing at a school with so much success in tennis?
A It's a lot of pressure. But it's also a lot of fun knowing that we have a great tradition, and that the players I'm working with are very talented.
Q What did you do in the offseason to prepare for this season?
A I played tennis at the Lifetime Fitness in Fridley two or three times a week. Sometimes I played matches for fun with some of my teammates. The focus in almost every one of my matches is trying to keep my serve consistent.
Q What do you hope to accomplish this year?
A Individually, I hope to go to state for doubles. But as a team, just to have a very successful year at state.
Q What are your expectations for Mounds View?
A The team focus is developing our cohesiveness and developing our games. In terms of state goals, there's always hope that you take home the title. So we're going to work hard for that.
Q What is the most challenging aspect in tennis?
A The biggest jump for most people moving from JV to varsity is not the level of competition but maintaining your focus at that level and the increased pressure.
Q What's your tennis style?
A I'm not a power player, and I don't go for fancy spins. I'm really more of a set-up player, trying to strategically plan out the point rather than just ripping the ball or trying to spin it off the court. I like to move my opponents around.
Q What's your favorite high school sports moment so far?
A In our match [April 11] against Edina. It was the first time I played No. 1 doubles in a legitimate way. We beat Edina's No. 1 doubles team, which was a huge victory.
Q What other extracurricular activities are you involved in?
A I've been on the leadership council and pioneered our school's volunteer service club. I'm going to nationals for our Quiz Bowl team this year. And I've participated in our econ challenge team, qualifying us for state this past week.
Q What do you plan to do after high school?
A I'll be attending Emory University [Atlanta], I think. It's a toss-up between Emory and the University of Chicago. I've been accepted into both.
Q Where do you hope to be in 10 years?
A I'm hoping to get involved in politics. I guess working on a congressional staff, or if I'm the luckiest person in the world, maybe being a congressman. But that is such a dream.
Q What are your hobbies?
A Most of my fun comes from doing homework with friends. We have this great idea this year. Instead of going to prom, a bunch of friends and I are going to dress up in suits and go play laser tag.
Calvin Swanson is a University of Minnesota journalism student on assignment for the Star Tribune.
