Crown Point coach Chris Korzeniewski had Patrick Mudd penciled in to play No. 1 doubles this season.
“It was one of the easiest decisions I had,” Korzeniewski said. “Patrick did a great job in that position for us last year, and I figured he would want to be back there again for his senior season.”
So the coach was a little surprised when Mudd informed him he wanted to challenge Boris Pavlovski for the No. 1 singles position.
Pavlovski eventually retained his spot by winning two of three challenge matches, but Mudd made quite an impression on the coach.
“It was an eye opener to see the intense competition level that Patrick brought to the court,” Korzeniewski said. “It is going to make the team much better.”
Mudd will get a chance to play some singles this year in addition to being the anchor at No. 1 doubles. His versatility will be a big help to The Times' No. 3 Bulldogs as they attempt to unseat Munster in the postseason.
“I like both singles and doubles, and I enjoy playing at different positions,” Mudd said. “I want to play where they need me the most on that given day. But I’m a senior, so I wanted to give it a shot to try and grab that No. 1 singles spot.
"It’s what every player wants.”
Mudd played doubles in victories over Griffith and Rensselaer during the Crown Point Invite, but will get the opportunity to spread his wings during the course of the season.
During his sophomore year, Mudd played No. 2 singles and led the 'Dogs to a regional win over Highland.
“That was a very exciting win, both for me and the team,” Mudd said. “We are looking to relive that kind of excitement this year.”
Mudd has been a sectional winner every year on the court. This year, the team has a higher goal.
“We want to win the regional and get to semistate,” Mudd said. “We haven’t been able to get past Munster the last couple of years, but we are hoping we can change that this season.”
The Bulldogs are a deep team with no glaring weak spots. Whether or not that will be enough to get by the No. 8 team in the state remains to be seen.
Munster and Crown Point will square off during the final regular season match September 24.
Mudd will be wherever the team needs him the most.
“We’re not looking ahead, but it will be an exciting match,” Mudd said. “We’ll be ready to use that match as a postseason push.
"Whatever it takes, that’s what we’ll do.”
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