The Perfect Partner

Tennis has a reputation for being a sport of individuals. And even at the high school level, that is somewhat true. Teams are made up of individual players, but that doesn't mean that teamwork doesn't matter. In fact, when it comes to players like Havre High’s Noah Landgraf, who play doubles exclusively, having a harmonious team is of the utmost importance.

Landgraf, who is in the midst of his senior season for the Havre High tennis team, knows more than most about what it takes to be part of a team as he has played with a different playing partner in three of his four seasons with the Blue Ponies. And while, having a new partner may not seem like a difficult task, it's not as easy as one might think.

"You just have to devote yourself to the sport," Landgraf said. "You need to put in extra time and work on the things you need to improve at, that is something that has always helped me. You need to put your time in."

Landgraf has proven to be flexible with his playing partners, and during his first two seasons with the Ponies, he paired with Brian Smith, but despite their best efforts they were not able to earn their way into the Class A state tournament during what was Landgraf’s sophomore campaign. But, last season, as a junior, Landgraf teamed up with Wyatt Lindbloom and the two became an instant success. They won 20 of 25 matches during the regular season. Then finished fourth at the Central A divisionals to wrap up a berth in last year's state tournament. And even though Landgraf and Lindbloom lost out at state with two defeats to open the tournament, the experience proved invaluable for Landgraf, who is now pairing with Jerod Boles and is looking to make a return trip to the state tournament.

“Noah has been one of those players that is so easy to coach,” head coach George Ferguson said. “He’s a hard worker, he’s in love with the game of tennis and he is very unselfish. He cares about his teammates, not just his own partner, but the entire team. He’s always been like that, and I think that’s what’s made him one of those guys I could pair with just about anybody. He’s just one of those guys that was born to be a great doubles player because he is already a great teammate.”

Of course, it takes a unique talent to meld with a new partner each year, but once again Landgraf has proven up to the challenge. He and Boles have put together a great season, with 27 wins and just two losses, and together, they have their sights set on reaching the state tournament.

"It takes a different skill to be a good double players," Landgraf said. "You have to be able to communicate with each other and you have to have more control in doubles. You have to be able to place your shot better.

“Noah and Jerod have really blended together nicely,” Ferguson said. “I think they were a great fit. That’s not to say that he and Wyatt wouldn’t have been if they would have stayed together because they fit together really well, too. But having Noah and Jerod play together allowed us to build more depth in doubles. We have more than one strong team again this year, and that really makes a difference. And he and Jerod have really had a great season together, and it’s been really fun to watch them out there. And, their best tennis is still to come in my opinion.”

Yet, Landgraf is more than just a good teammate, he's talented on the tennis courts in his own right and has gotten that way thanks to hard work, pure and simple. It also doesn't hurt that playing tennis is in his blood. The senior has been on the tennis courts well before his days at HHS and the biggest reason for that is his sister, Jolee Landgraf, who was an accomplished doubles player for the Ponies.

With his sister's influence, Landgraf began honing his tennis skills, even before he was a student at the high school. And to this day, he cites her as a big reason for his improvement, which included him winning the most improved player award at HHS back in 2013.

"I had a sister who was a very good player," Landgraf said. "So that really helped me out a lot. She helped me get better and know what to do to get better. And then I just practiced a lot. Then, I won the most improved player award and that helped me gain some confidence."

Over his four-year career, Landgraf has built up a number of great memories. But, as his tennis career is coming to a close, he is looking to make another by earning a second-straight berth in the state tournament as part of a doubles team. But mostly, tennis is fun for him and he wants to make sure that lasts as long as possible.

"Going to state has really helped my confidence and made me a better tennis player," Landgraf said. "But I'll definitely remember going to state and my junior and senior year. I want to make some memories this season but I've already had a lot of great moments and a lot of fun playing for this team.

“Noah has just been an absolute joy to coach,” Ferguson said. “I remember seeing him in the summers playing at the courts before he was in high school. He was really shy back then, and honestly, because he barely ever said two words to me, even though he knew I was his sister’s coach, I wasn’t sure he was even going to come out for tennis when he got to high school. But, he did and it’s been an absolute blast ever since. He’s been an important part of three straight divisional championships already, and he’s playing with his third partner now and, together with Jerod, he’s having even more success. So it’s been an awesome experience having him on our team. Because of the kind of teammate and player he is, he’s been a huge asset to this program, and I’m really going to miss him when it’s all over with.”

Landgraf and the Ponies will be in Bozeman this Friday and Saturday for the Central A divisionals, before advancing to the Class A state tournament in Missoula on May 21-22.