Cloquet tennis player Ethan Lavan has been on a winning streak, racking up bagels left and right in his matches. Lavan, the top singles player for the Lumberjacks, made a bet with his assistant coach Tom Proulx that every time he wins a set 6-0, he would receive a bagel. However, if he loses a set, he owes the coaching staff a bagel.
After a 6-0, 6-2 win over Rock Ridge’s Payton Marks, Proulx now owes Lavan a total of 10 bagels. Despite the friendly wager, Proulx is starting to feel the pressure as Lavan continues to dominate on the court.
Lavan, a sophomore, has been a standout player for the Lumberjacks since joining the team as a seventh grader. He has worked hard to improve his game, especially focusing on his backhand, which has now become a strength for him.
With his left-handed playing style, Lavan has the advantage of throwing off right-handed opponents. His steady play and ability to control the point have impressed both coaches and opponents alike.
As Lavan heads into the Section 7A individual tournament, he is no longer flying under the radar. Opponents are aware of his skill and are ready to bring their best game against him.
Despite the pressure and expectations, Lavan remains focused on his love for the sport and his desire to continue improving. Tennis has become his passion, and he is determined to see how far he can go in the sport he enjoys the most.