Marietta’s Max Navarro-Steffen poses with his district championship medal last week in Athens. Navarro-Steffen will compete in the state tournament this Thursday and Friday in Wooster. (Courtesy photo)

According to Marietta tennis coach Chris Mayer, it’s rare for programs in the Southeast District to earn postseason accolades.

So when someone is recognized for their contribution to the sport, the award carries special meaning.

Earlier this spring, Mayer was honored as the sole recipient of the state-award in tennis based on sportsmanship, ethics and integrity for the 2023-24 school year..

“This says a lot because it’s pretty rare someone in Southeast Ohio wins an award for tennis,” Mayer said. “I understand I was nominated by coaches outside the area.”

Mayer, who played tennis while attending Athens HIgh School, has coached the boys team at Marietta for 19 seasons and another 14 seasons with the Tigers’ girls team.

“I love doing this,” Mayer said. “I’ve been blessed with a fantastic group of kids on both the boys and girls side. I have had great groups of parents. They have been very helpful in keeping the program going.

“I’m passionate about the sport. I get excited about the beginning of every August for the fall season with the girls team and again in March for the start of the boys season.”

According to the Ohio High School Athletic Association, individuals in each of the 28 sports (boys and girls combined) recognized reflect the values of sportsmanship, ethics and integrity through their professional responsibilities and are role models for student-athletes and others.

“What keeps me coming back is the excitement of the kids and the enjoyment they have for tennis,” Mayer said. “I enjoy working with them and helping them with their goals.”

Mayer has one more tournament on his itinerary. After winning a Division II district title in singles last week in Athens, Marietta junior Max Navarro-Steffen advanced to the state tournament, beginning Thursday at the College of Wooster.

Navarro-Steffen, who is a foreign exchange student from France, is in the field of 16. His first-round opponent is sophomore Nason Lo from Gahana Columbus Academy.

“Max had a couple of good results early in the season so I knew had a really good shot of doing things this year,” Mayer said. “The state tournament always has elite level players, so there are going to be tough matches. But I think Max has a shot of (winning his first two matches) and getting to the second day of the tournament.”

Contact Kerry Patrick at kpatrick@newsandsentinel.com