By Murray Gleffe
Correspondent
Name: Jayden Wartman
Nickname: Blade
School: Green Bay Southwest
Sport: Boys’ tennis
Parents: Jed Wartman and Lori Sorenson
Jayden Wartman is a recent graduate of Green Bay Southwest and will be attending Division III Ripon College this fall to play tennis.
Wartman was a two-time, WIAA state qualifier for the Trojans.
His favorite professional tennis player is Rafael Nadal.
Wartman’s hobbies include playing video games, lifting weights and training to be a better player.
Talk about your state experiences.
“As a sophomore, I partnered with my friend Ben Fredeen in doubles, and we made it to the third round. As a junior, I went as an individual. The experiences were unforgettable.”
What’s your most embarrassing tennis moment?
“Whiffing on a put-away overhead.”
What’s your most memorable moment?
“Winning the sectional final my sophomore year and having one of my best friends, Ben, as my partner. We still go to Green Isle Park and play – we’ve always been close.”
Were there teachers at Southwest who influenced you?
“Mr. Kraszewski has been my rock since I transferred to Southwest (from Bay Port) and always said everything would be okay. Mr. Moreau (finance-related classes) taught me more than any other teacher I’ve had and was always there for me when I needed someone to talk with.”
Talk about the mental aspect of playing tennis.
“Being mentally strong is the most important thing in tennis. If you’re not mentally there, you’ve already lost the match. I can’t give enough credit to the coaches who helped me with my mental toughness.”
Talk about your family and how they supported you through your career.
“My family has always supported me and believed in me. My dad fed me tennis balls to hit when I was five years old, and my mom is my No. 1 supporter at every match, no matter if I win or lose.”
Who are the best tennis players you’ve played?
“In high school, Alex Alt from Kimberly. I played him in the first round of sectionals during my freshman year. He double-bageled (6-0, 6-0) me in 30 minutes and was the No. 4 seed at state that year. Out of high school, Patrick Fletchall. I played him at the Brutal Wear tournament last August. He plays Division 1 tennis at Indiana University.”
What three words describe you?
“Motivated, genuine, competitive.”
Wimbledon or the French Open?
“Wimbledon, because I went and played at some grass courts last August at Sand Valley (Wisconsin) with a local coach, St. Norbert College’s No. 1 player and an NBC 26 weather forecaster. It was an unforgettable memory.”
Favorites
Class: Accounting
Food: Pasta
Movie: “Match Point”