By Mark Gregory
@Hear_The_Beard
Four years ago when Miguel Rayos del Sol came on the scene at Romeoville High School, only the tennis community knew what he was capable of doing.
As he leaves, Rayos del Sol has made sure his name in known by anyone who knows Spartan athletics.
After advancing to state for the third consecutive season by placing fourth at the Joliet West Sectional, Rayos del Sol is looking to make an even bigger impact.
“It is more exciting because it is my senior year and your senior year is always memorable and I am going to try and make this as memorable as I can,” Rayos del Sol said. “I want to win it all.”
No matter what place Rayos del Sol takes at state next weekend, Romeoville coach George Joyce knows the legacy he is leaving on the program.
“It is four time all conference, it the first time we have had a three-time state qualifier in tennis – boys or girls – so it is an amazing accomplishment,” Joyce said. “He has quite the legacy at the school and I am proud of everything he has accomplished at the school. He has put the program on his shoulders and has carried it to a place where it hasn’t been in my 13 years of coaching. I am incredibly appreciative of what he has been able to do for himself and for the program. Hopefully he can still build on that legacy.”
Rayos del Sol already added to his legacy by advancing to state for the third season in a row by defeating Peter Spesia from Providence 6-0,6-0 in the first round and by beating Kyle Brick 6-0, 6-1.
In the semifinals, Rayos del Sol lost 7-5, 6-3 to Jack Geissler of Joliet Catholic Academy and in the third place match, he lost 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 to Joliet Township’s Morgan Red.
“I knew coming in the quality of player he was, but he has made gains every single year from his freshman year through graduation,” Joyce said. “It has been a pleasure to watch, but to have had at least a little part in it has brought me great joy.”
Joyce will have plenty more chances to watch his student grow over the next four seasons, as Rayos del Sol is staying in town to attend the University of St. Francis.
“I was overjoyed when he chose St. Francis,” Joyce said. “It gives me an opportunity to see what he has to offer at the next level. I would have traveled across state lines to see him, but I am thrilled he is making it easy.”
Rayos del Sol also plans to be around the program, which includes his younger brother Martin.
“St. Francis has great coaches and I like the teammates and it is a great school overall,” he said. “And I am going to try and coach (the Romeoville) guys while I am in school because I will be right down the street.”