Athlete Spotlight: James Wood tennis player David Hutchins

James Wood High School 17-year-old senior

Sport: Tennis. Position: No. 2 singles and No. 1 doubles

Parents: Joy and Lee Hutchins

Hometown: Cross Junction

What do you love about tennis?: I like having control over a game. When you win in singles, you did that yourself. And when you’re in doubles, you’re with your partner, and it’s two people working together instead of relying on the whole team.

Most memorable moments in tennis: Working with my doubles partner last year, Lane [Pugh]. We had really good chemistry together and just played really well together. And for singles, I won a tiebreaker against Sherando last year (4-6, 6-4, 10-6 at No. 6 in the Class 4 Northwestern District semifinals in a 5-0 team win), and it was a two-hour match. If I didn’t win that singles match, we would have had to play doubles, and nobody was trying to do that because of how late it was.

Most difficult moment in tennis: This year. Our team lost 11 seniors from last year, four of which were varsity. I’ve had to go from [No.] 6 to 2 in singles and fill some really big shoes, work really hard and play against a lot harder people.

People you can have dinner with, dead or alive: Russell Wilson; I liked Russell Wilson when he was the quarterback of the Seahawks. Ronald Reagan; because he was a legendary president. And Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman; he’s a very powerful man. If you do stuff for him, he’d probably give you a free Lamborghini. He’s like that.

Biggest athletic influence: [Shenandoah University men’s and women’s tennis coach Jason] Cole. I’ve been doing lessons with him for about two years, and he basically got me to where I am now. I wouldn’t be as good without him.

Favorite teacher: Mr [Shane] Lympus. He teaches U.S. history. I had him sophomore year. He always makes you laugh with his lessons. It doesn’t matter what he’s talking about, he can make it funny.

Favorite athletes: Russell Wilson and John McEnroe

Favorite team: Seattle Seahawks

Favorite movie: National Lampoon movie series

Favorite TV show: “South Park”

Favorite song: “Party Up” by DMX

Favorite food: Spaghetti or tacos

Plans after high school: I’m going to explore either welding or aircraft mechanic. I get to work with my hands. I like airplanes, and I like to work on them. It pays really well, and if I decide to be an aircraft mechanic I can fly for free. I’ve also enjoyed my welding class and would like to get better at it.

— Compiled by Robert Niedzwiecki