Tennis is a core sport and is played by many learners at the school. Our top teams compete at high levels in both local leagues and inter-school fixtures. Many go on to represent the Eastern Cape at interprovincial tournaments. Players have access to 9 well-maintained tennis courts as well as a cozy club house. Tennis at UHS is divided into Junior (grades 5 to 7) and Senior (grades 8 tot 12) teams.
The tennis year for the Junior players begins with the annual Graaff-Reinet and Districts tennis trials where many of our learners are selected to participate in the Eastern Province Country Districts trials. Our boys and girls play fixtures against many of the surrounding schools, such as Gill College, Karel Theron, Collegiate and Cradock. The top 6 boys and girls enjoy professional coaching on a weekly basis, which impacts most positively on their progress.
The Junior tennis players regularly participate in the annual Jocelyn Marais Invitational tournament as well as the Cradock Spar tournament held in the 3rd term. The highlight of the year is always the Interschools clash against Laer Volkskool, which takes place in August. The annual School Championships traditionally take place during the 3rd and 4th terms.
The Senior tennis year also begins with the Graaff-Reinet and Districts trials which are held on the first Saturday of the school year. Players are then selected to represent the Eastern Cape at the Interprovincial Tennis Tournament in either the under 19 or under 15 age categories. Also early on in the year, players often travel to Makhanda to compete in the Quadrangular and Settler’s Cup tournament. In February, the players attend the Van Niekerk and Koen tournament in Burgersdorp, which is always an enjoyable event.
For the rest of the summer season, the senior players participate in the Graaff-Reinet Summer League, competing against local tennis clubs and Hoër Volkskool. While rugby and hockey take precedence during the winter, the tennis players keep their hand in by also competing in the Graaff-Reinet Winter League.
The 3rd term always starts on a high note with preparation for the annual Interschools clash against Hoër Volkskool. Towards the end of the term, another highlight of the year is the Marco Wasserman tournament held in Middelburg. Annual School Championships are also held in the 3rd and 4th terms. Our senior top 6 boys and girls also enjoy professional coaching, ensuring they stay fit and ready to compete at top level.
Tennis Results
