Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, April 29, 1995 TAG: 9505010006
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BOB TEITLEBAUM STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
As a freshman, he played No.6 at Glenvar as the Highlanders won the first of three consecutive Group A state titles.
Then Wimmer made a bold move and transfered to Salem, which never had won a state title. Presto, the Spartans reeled off back-to-back Group AA state crowns and, at 7-0 this year, will have a chance to make it three in a row during Wimmer's senior season.
``I had a lot of friends who went to Salem. I thought the academics [more student competition at a bigger school] would be better at Salem,'' said Wimmer, who is a member of the National Honor Society.
Salem at that time was coached by Dave Petersen, who was giving Wimmer lessons. Petersen has since moved on to Blacksburg as an assistant principal and was replaced last year by Mike Gibson.
Wimmer played No.6 as a sophomore at Salem, though it was a part-time position since he was actually No.7 and didn't play in the state tournament when the Spartans won a spine-tingling 5-4 decision over Blacksburg in the semifinals.
Last year, Wimmer's only losses were to Blacksburg's Justin Turner in a regular season and state tournament match. He also proved his worth by being versatile.
``I'd move him in doubles. Sometimes he didn't agree, but he went where I told him to go,'' said Gibson. ``He didn't argue. He's a good leader, not vocally, but shows it with his skills and actions.''
This year, Wimmer has moved up to No.2. While he might not win an individual tennis title, he'll be one of the players charged with the largest part of the responsibility if the Spartans are to win another state championship.
``There's a lot of pressure at Salem because every team plays its best against you. It was great last year for me just because I was a starter. The year before, going from being a starter at Glenvar to not [always] starting at Salem was tough,'' said Wimmer.
He began playing tennis in the seventh grade at the urging of parents Woody and Sharon Wimmer, who enjoy the sport. He will attend the University of Virginia and plans to try out for the tennis team.
As for adult goals, Wimmer says, ``I plan to major in Evironmental Science. I want to become a forest ranger after school. I really enjoy the outdoors. We live on Poor Mountain. I've always lived in the mountains.''
Wimmer's sister, Mandy, is a sophomore on this year's Glenvar team that returned all its players from last year's state titelists. So there might be a couple of state championships for the Wimmers to celebrate.
by CNB