The Little Giant Doubles Invite took on a fresh and exciting twist this year, turning an early setback into an unforgettable evening of competition. Originally scheduled for the previous Saturday, inclement weather forced the cancellation of the annual event. But the Fremont Ross tennis program didn’t back down. Instead, they pivoted — and under the glow of Friday night lights, the invite came to life.
With courts lit and energy high, the newly dubbed Friday Night Lights Doubles Invite became an instant crowd favorite. The unique atmosphere added electricity to an already competitive field, and the home team delivered standout performances across all divisions.
#1 Doubles – Cole Kinsey and Charlie Kramer were dominant on the court, rolling past tough teams from Fostoria, Sandusky, and Norwalk to capture 1st place honors. Their chemistry and aggressive play at the net proved too much for their opponents all evening.
#2 Doubles – Zach Bishop and Jack Swinehart fought their way into the finals with a strong win over a Norwalk/Tiffin combo, before falling in a hard-fought match against Tiffin Columbian. Their performance earned them an impressive 2nd place finish.
#3 Doubles – Chase Culbertson and Logan Wensinger battled through the bracket and ended the night in 5th place, showing steady improvement and resilience throughout their matches.
#4 Doubles – Adriel Benavidez and Brandon Fry turned in one of the evening’s most complete performances, notching victories over teams from Sandusky, Norwalk, and Upper Sandusky to claim 1st place in their division.
Beyond the scores and standings, the night had a deeper meaning — exemplified by Maden Dewalt, who stepped in to sub for a missing Fostoria player. Dewalt’s positive attitude, team-first mindset, and leadership on and off the court earned him the prestigious Sportsmanship Plaque, a recognition voted on by both coaches and players. It’s a testament to the character and class Fremont Ross tennis brings to every match.
The Friday night lights may have been a Plan B, but judging by the atmosphere, competition, and community response, it might just be the start of a new tradition.