Some say it’s the competitive nature of sports, others say it’s to stay fit, but for second-year tennis player Sam Concannon, the relationships formed from playing on Case Western Reserve University men’s tennis team are what drive his dedication to the sport.

The friendships he made through the team’s practices and cross-country travelsare the ones which he feels will last long beyond his time at CWRU.

Concannon is in the midst of his second season with the Spartans, the team as a whole at a 10-8 record. This was preceded by a first season in which he was selected as an honorable mention to the All-University Athletic Association (UAA) Team for his play in singles, going 24-7 on the season.

The highlight of Concannon’s tennis career thus far came last year against Carnegie Mellon University.

“Beating Carnegie Mellon in national indoors as a freshman proved I could play and win against any school,” he said.

Concannon shows plenty of passion on the court for tennis, but in fact, it is not the only sport he has experience with at CWRU. The Culver Military Academy men’s basketball team alumni lended his abilities to the CWRU men’s basketball team for one semester.

The tennis player enjoys sleeping after tiresome morning practices, and for fun, he likes to play video games and hang out with his friends.

Times can be difficult between balancing practice, games and classes, but Concannon doesn’t mind. This is evident in his favorite quote: “It’s during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.”

According to Concannon, there’s always adversity in life, but it’s important to see the goal at the end of the path. That’s what keeps him striving for success.