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SPRINGBORO — David Weaver sets high standards for the Springboro High School boys tennis team.

The four-year varsity player and two-time district qualifier helped the youthful Panthers to a Greater Western Ohio Conference South title for the second year in a row.

In addition to solid play in the first singles position, Weaver provides what coach Dave Hartsock calls "quiet leadership."

"I try to lead by example and give the freshmen and sophomores tips," Weaver said. "In a recent match, we were playing in the wind and I told them you have to hit with a lot of spin or the ball's going to fly out."

Weaver also deserves a salute for earning a four-year Army Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarship at Wright State University.

"Sure, I'm playing a little more relaxed," Weaver said with a smile. "That was on my mind and when I received the scholarship, I felt great telling my parents that they don't have to pay for my college."

Weaver will continue a family tradition of service. He remembers hearing tales as a boy of his family's exploits. He takes great pride in the fact that he will be commissioned as second lieutenant after his four years.

"My father was a paratrooper and I had a grandfather who was a paratrooper, too" Weaver said. "I have a cousin in Iraq. I had an ancestor in the American Revolution on my mother's side (named Altvater) who was a German mercenary. So, there is a family heritage to hold up and this is important. A guy has a duty to serve the country."

That drive to excel helps him succeed between the lines. He is known for his physical training, and ran cross country for the Panthers.

"David's an aggressive baseliner who wants to control points from the baseline until an opponent makes a mistake," Hartsock said. "Then, he steps up and puts the ball away. David runs forever and is in great shape."

His biggest weapon?

"My forehand," Weaver said. "I've been known to run around a backhand to hit a forehand and I don't have a massive serve, either."

His most satisfying match came in a 2-6, 6-4, 6-2 win over Raja Gupta of Troy.

"The difference was my mental toughness in that third game," Weaver said. "I was into the match."

Contact this reporter at 225-2478 or

rjackson@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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