The athletes of the week for the week of Nov. 3 were senior Niyati Guram and sophomore Luke Zapko.
Niyati Guram has been a core member of the Oak Park High School girls tennis team this past season. She enjoyed a very successful season with plenty of accolades.
“A couple weeks ago I won the Coastal Canyon Individual League Tournament for singles,” Guram said. “This is my third consecutive year winning the title and my fourth year qualifying for CIF.”
Of course, all of that winning didn’t come without hard work. Guram has been spending time behind the scenes to improve her game and benefit the team.
“The tennis team was very successful in the league and we won the Coastal Canyon League as undefeated champions,” Guram said. “I think that gave me a lot of confidence going into the individual tournament. I had been practicing a lot both in our official school practices and separately with my dad and all that work paid off in the individual tournament.”
Amidst all of her success, Guram has also been making time to enjoy this season, as it is her last for OPHS girls tennis.
“My favorite memory from the tennis team has been the little moments on bus rides, team dinners, and while cheering each other on during matches that I have experienced with my team,” Guram said. “It has been amazing growing up with my fellow seniors and watching the younger members fall in love with this team and sport just like we had. This team has given me a completely new perspective on this individual sport. I do not plan to play at a college.”
The second athlete of the week was Luke Zapko. Zapko set school records in the team’s previous game, recording 18 tackles. He also played a crucial role in the team’s win in their first playoff game.
“All I try to do and think about is working as hard as I can,” Zapko said. “It’s all about improving from previous weeks.”
Zapko blocked the potential game-winning field goal in the team’s playoff victory against Sun Valley-Village Christian.
“Blocking the field goal and winning the game was definitely my favorite memory from this season,” Zapko said. “I’ve really been learning from my coaches and teammates, who have helped me improve both mentally and physically.”
Congratulations to these two star athletes!
