Hi-Line Athlete Profile: Nick Rhines, Havre Tennis

It takes a lot of effort and dedication to have a successful prep athletic career here in Montana. But to get the job done on the court, in the gym, or on the field, as well as in the classroom, that takes a special student athlete.

Havre High senior Nick Rhines is that kind of athlete.

Havre High senior Nick Rhines is about to play in the Class A state tournament for the first time in his career. Rhines has found success in sports and academics in his time at HHS.

Rhines is a four-year varsity letter winner for the Blue Pony tennis team, as well as a two-year letter winner for the HHS cross country team, and a three-year letter winner for the HHS swim team. Rhines also played basketball as a freshman.

Nearing the end of his senior tennis season, Rhines, and doubles partner J.J. Hovet are fresh off of a No. 2 finish at the Central A divisional tournament last weekend in Lewistown. Rhines will be making his first appearance at the Class A state tennis tournament, but has found success at the state swimming level. Rhines placed 12th in the 100-meter freestyle, but also has top 10 finishes under his belt as part of the 200 free, 200 medley, and 400 free relay teams.

But Rhines' success in athletics is only part of what has made him a bright spot at Havre High. Rhines has also been a top tier student. Managing to juggle sports nearly all year long, Rhines has also been able to earn All-State Academic honors in every sports season, for the last four years. His efforts in the classroom have already landed Rhines a spot at Montana Tech next year where he'll study engineering, and he was recently honored with many different academic awards earlier this spring.

"Nick is not just a great tennis player, and a great student, he's also such a great person," Havre High head coach George Ferguson said. "I really respect that about him. He is a genuninely nice person. He treats people with respect, he's a team-first guy who competes in individual sports, and he's very coachable. And he's become a true leader of our team this year. It has truly been an honor to coach Nick and I've enjoyed every single day around him for the last four years. I just really have a lot of respect for him and appreciate everything he's done for our program."

Rhines and Hovet are prepared to go into the state tournament and battle for a doubles title. They are rolling after a second place finish at divisionals, and are hoping to put the final touches on a very successful 2013.

Here's five questions with one of Havre High's top student-athletes and a Blue Pony tennis leader as he prepares to embark on the final matches of his prep career.

HDN: How does your focus and preparation have to change for the state tournament?

Rhines: "I think it has to stay the same. We are just focused on getting better each week, and just staying focused on tennis. I think we have to just keep doing what we have been doing, playing hard and practicing hard, and just going out and playing as hard as we can."

HDN: What is the hardest thing about juggling academics and athletics, and how do you perform at both so well?

Rhines: "I would say the hardest part is getting school work in, and just doing school work sometimes. But it has helped to take a couple of hours every night and just sitting down and getting it done. Having study hall also helps. And sometimes that (time management) is, especially if you have a job. I had a job last year, but didn't want to keep working because it is pretty tough to have sports, a job, and school."

HDN: Do you have a most memorable moment/match from your last four years of tennis?

Rhines: "I would say the match last weekend that put us into the championship match. That was a very memorable match, and we played pretty good. We were playing the team from Anaconda, and we were down 5-1 in the second set, but came back to win it. That was huge for us to do that, and that got us pretty pumped. That is what made it memorable I think."

HDN: What would a state title mean to you and partner J.J. Hovet?

Rhines: "We haven't talked about it really, but that would mean a lot to both of us. After taking second at divisionals, for us to do that would be huge."

HDN: After a solid run at divisionals, what do you and Hovet want to improve on at state?

Rhines: "I would say, probably trying to hold serves. We struggled with serves all year long, so I think being able to hold that would be pretty big. It would give us boost, and if we can play well through the matches, I think we will do well."