MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Simeon Cadavos, leading chief with 11th Dental Co., came out undefeated during the Spring Tennis Tournament at the tennis courts here May 22.
During this double elimination, eight set match tournament, competitors ceased to be eligible to win the tournament’s championship upon losing two matches.
Those who lost still had a chance to redeem themselves if they beat out the rest of the losing bracket.
The tournament consisted of eight competitors, including military personnel and students from Matthew C. Perry High School, all competing for the first place title and a trophy to represent their unit.
Cadavos, in spite of an injured knee, placed first in the tournament with scores of 8-2, 8-3, 8-6, 8-6.
Ron Hunter, in-coming leading chief with 11th Dental Co., came up second with a score of 8-6, 8-6 before losing the 11th and final match against Cadavos.
Andre Bugawan, student from Matthew C. Perry High School, battled his way to the semifinals to win third place with scores of 8-1, 8-5.
Hunter started the tournament strong against Vincent Craft, maintenance technician with MALS-12, and Chang.
When Hunter had to go up against Cadavos in the semi-finals, Hunter found Cadavos was a fierce competitor to beat.
Cadavos was ultimately unstoppable, beating Hunter 8-6 during the final match of the tournament.
“Hat’s off to Cadavos,” said Hunter. “He played a great tournament. Especially since he has an injured knee and he still prevailed.”
Cadavos did not let his injury stand in the way as he continued to hit hard, flat serves and forehand smashes that sped the ball over the net to the other side of the court for a point.
“Cadavos is a great player,” said Hunter. “He knew how to place the ball.
Any time I came to the net, he would hit it over my head, and it went in every time.”
Hunter had to stay on his toes, running backward, forward, and across to receive the ball, but he kept it a close match until the end.
“It was a terrific tournament,” said Cadavos. “It’s Hunter’s first year here. He brought no weapons at all, borrowed a tennis racquet and came out second. He was unbelievable.”
After eight hours of fierce competition leaving each participant exhausted, Hunter and Cadavos brought home the first and second place Spring Tennis Tournament trophies to represent the 11th Dental Co. with pride and sportsmanship.
“It’s definitely an honor to bring two trophies back to represent the 11th Dental Co.,” said Hunter. "This was a great tournament.”