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Shields takes the reins of BSU tennis
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The name “Shields” has been uttered numerous times at Boise State University. It usually included the brothers, Luke and Clancy, and their dominant nature of play on the tennis courts. But Luke has moved on to other things and Clancy … well, he’s still here.
Clancy Shields is coming off a tournament victory in Las Vegas at the 2008 ITA Mountain Region Championships. He will move on to play in the 2008 National Indoor Championships.
Shields set the bar for the rest of the team this season. Boise State men’s tennis coach Greg Patton described him, on numerous occasions, as a “warrior.” He earned this title by playing through injury while attaining a certain level of success.
“That’s one of my strong points, my competitive nature,” Shields said.
That fire to achieve greatness is only fueled more now that he is a senior and the team captain – a title that has also been associated with the Shields’ for the Broncos.
“I just keep telling myself ‘it’s your last go at these things. You’re a senior.’” Shields said. “Every time I did that I snapped into gear and things started clicking for me.”
Shields has always been a strong threat to the opposition. But he takes the forefront moving from the No. 2 spot on the team to No. 1.
He entered the 2008 ITA Mountain Region Championships as the favorite to win the tournament and pleased the critics in doing so.
“The last two years has been different than this year,” Shields said. “It felt like everyone was gunning for me. The years before I was gunning for everyone else. That is the difference when you are the underdog.”
Now he leads the Broncos into battle.
Every leader sets high goals. Shields expects great things from the rest of his teammates.
“Coach Patton has instilled that in me,” Shields said. “It has brought my level up. I hope to instill that in the rest of the guys on the team, that level of excellence and greatness. I think that’s what we’re shooting for.”
But Shields knows he can learn a lot from his comrades.
“Coach always says ‘You take certain pages out of everyone’s books,’” Shields said. “One of the guys I really look up to is Keene [Feeder]. He’s so knowledgeable about the game. He’s so experienced. He’s more experienced than I am.”
Shields attributes much of his ability to multiple players on the team.
They all have something to offer both in competition and advice.
He will have to take what he can get going into the Indoor Championships, where he will once again become an underdog of sorts.
The 2008 National Indoor Championships will be held at the University of Virginia at the Boar’s Head Sports Club from Nov. 6-9.
KIRK BELL
Sports Coordinator
