Dykema brothers ready for state tennis

ASHWAUBENON - Watching your child advance to state, surely a proud moment for any parent, now imagine you get to see not one, but TWO do it, and you're courtside as the coach.

Earlier this season when West De Pere had a need for a head tennis coach John Dykema stepped in, and for a while, it was an adjustment, but eventually they came around to playing for their dad.

"The first few times he came out on the court to coach me I didn't want to listen to him” said Nick, a junior, “but the next few times and the rest of the season I was able to learn from him."

Having never played for another high school coach, the adjustment was simpler for Jack, a Freshman. "I'm pretty familiar with him so it keeps me comfortable."

John, has coached his sons in other sports, but this was the first time he’d officially carried the title of coach on the tennis court, but he’s filled the role many times before.

"Any time we've gone to tournaments in the past, you're there as the parent but you're the only one there so you're also the coach even if you don't know what to say."

Nick, had already established himself as a player, making the state tournament last year. A 6-inch growth spurt and a competitive nature have made younger brother Jack and ideal practice partner.

 "It's nice to have him because almost every time he goes on the court he wins and when it comes to practice he's a great practice partner because he always pushes me, said Nick."

Jack added, "It makes it a little more comfortable because I know he's going to do well so I want to do well myself."

The practice partners also carry on a sibling rivalry on the court.

Whenever I play him I always try to beat him as badly as I can because if I don't I'll hear about it for the rest of my life, said the elder Dykema."

For his little brother, it’s more about measuring himself against a player he greatly respects.

“Nick was really good so it kind of made me want to be better and live up to his expectations.”

Despite how close the two have grown on the court, they have very different aspirations at state.

Jack, in his first trip just wants to get in the win column. "My biggest goal is just to win the first match. I really want to win the first match."

Nick on the other hand has his sights set on nothing less than the top.

"I want to win the state championship, that's for sure, that's the biggest goal of mine for probably my high school career it's my biggest goal.."