Cultice-ing the competition

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Ridgefield’s Spencer Cultice has come nowhere near a loss yet this season

 

Spencer Cultice is a senior at Ridgefield where the boys tennis program has not existed for several years prior to this fall. 

He’s played club tennis and been successful at numerous non-school related tournaments for the last decade, but North Clark County’s never really known about his talents until this season when he was finally able to suit up for the Spuds.

“Honestly when I was in the process of bringing back the tennis program, I didn’t even know about him,” said Head Coach Andrea Kropp.

She and most every singles player in the area does now though. 

On the court you can’t miss Cultice — he wins too relentlessly to go unnoticed. So far this year Cultice is undefeated (9-0) and in seven of those matches he’s won 6-0, 6-0. 

Off the court, Cultice may still be flying under the radar. His athleticism is average and he’s a pretty reserved young man.

“He’s one of the quietest kids I know,” said Kropp. “I think he gets very easily underestimated.” 

At this point, selling Cultice short pre-match is a bad idea for any opponent. On Tuesday, Oct. 10, seeding for the 2A GSHL district tournament will be determined and Cultice is all but guaranteed to be selected the No. 1 seed for singles.

“It should be a shoe-in,” said Kropp. “It’s clear that he’s been the best.”

Cultice said he is looking forward to state — should he make it. In Washington, boy’s tennis state isn’t until May.



“I’m looking forward to the competition I’ll have when I get there,” he said. “I want to win a state title and I think I can.”

Cultice said the layover from the end of October to May shouldn’t be a problem as he’s been playing tennis every month for the last 10 years — even without the motivation of a state tournament looming.

What makes Cultice such a dangerous opponent is his backhand skills. He said his control of the ball and especially its velocity off the racket hitting backhand are at an all-time high in his career. Cultice admits his footwork and lateral movements could be better, but Kropp said even that aspect of his game are solid.

“He moves amazing well for his athleticism,” she said.

Kropp said beyond personal achievements, Cultice is helping build a Ridgefield boys tennis foundation to last for years to come. Most players on the team are underclassmen who have never played before and although chasing a state title for himself, Cultice has been a great mentor and trainer for them.

“He’s an amazing practice player because he’s good enough and aware enough that he can modulate his game to their skill sets,” Kropp said. 

Kropp said Cultice is also developing a winning culture that is exciting teammates and peers.

“Even little things, like how when they announce scores during school and they’re always reading off wins for him, it’s gotten people excited I think,” Kropp said. “To have that right away for a program that just started back up is huge.”

Cultice said his passion for tennis comes from seeing himself improve. The better he gets, the more driven he becomes. He also loves tennis — specifically singles — because of the inner challenge and self-fulfilling accomplishment.

“I like that it’s all on me to win,” he said.

Cultice’s most recent victory was Friday against Ryan Janiszewski of Washougal. Cultice won 6-0, 6-0. His last regular season outing is home against Mark Morris on Tuesday, Oct. 10.