Boys Tennis Player of the Year: Munster's Billy Heuer

His forehand is extremely strong.

His speed and athletic ability allow him to chase down shots other players might not have a chance at reaching -- let alone turning into a remarkable shot.

When his serve is really going well, Munster tennis star Billy Heuer can take some pressure off and begin piling up points pretty quickly.

Technique-wise, Heuer is extremely solid.

There's one phase of his game, though, which trumps everything else -- his mental attitude.

"My mental attitude is real strong -- sometimes it can determine a match,'' Heuer said. "If you're in a close match, you might be even with your opponent with technique. I can win nine times out of 10, because of my attitude.

"It's a competitive edge. A drive I have to win the tough points and the tough matches. I don't like to lose. Even when it's not my best day, and I'm not playing well, I'm going to try and do whatever I can to try and pull out the win.''

Like he demonstrated throughout his career, Heuer has a real penchant for winning.

His performance this season made him an easy choice as the Post-Tribune's Player of the Year for the third straight time.

Heuer finished 26-2 -- losing twice to individual state singles champion Nick Chappell of Indianapolis North Central -- and etched his name forever in school history as Munster's only individual state runner-up.

"The mark Billy made on Munster boys tennis is there, it's permanent,'' head coach Steve Lopez said. "What he accomplished this season is historic, and you can't take that away. He has really set the standard and raised the bar for this program. There's a lot for players to aspire to now.

"It's a lot to live up to, but they can definitely get a visual from Billy in terms of how much time, how much effort and the dedication it takes to accomplish such a feat. I've never worked with anyone, who's put so much time and effort into the game. His level of dedication and intent to improve his game are second to none.''

Heuer's mental attitude advantage might have clinched his scholarship offer to Purdue, where he'll play tennis next year.

Boilermakers' head coach Tim Madden was in Kalamazoo, Mich., last summer attending the Hardcourt Super National Championships. He watched Heuer battle Dennis Lynn, a California prep phenom, ranked No. 9 in the country.

While Lynn managed to avoid being upset by Heuer, who was ranked No. 190, the Munster star gave his opponent everything he wanted, and more, during a marathon three-set match.

"Even though I lost, I pushed him to the limit and made him hate tennis for a little while, at least that day,'' Heuer said. "I never quit. I have that in the back of my mind now. It's what makes me walk out on the court. Even when I'm down in a match, and it looks like I don't have a chance to win, I'm not going to just strike the ball and be done with it. I'm going to treat it like the Super Nationals.''

Heuer took the same mindset to the IHSAA state tournament at North Central High School last month. Despite the team's belief that it could bring home a state title, the Mustangs lost to Center Grove in the semifinals, 3-2, and also dropped the consolation match to Columbus North by the same score.

"There's high expectations at Munster, and it's not that those expectations are not within our grasp,'' Heuer said. "I think we did really well this year. We all agree, it wasn't our best day as a team down at state. We didn't meet our own expectations and there was some disappointment. It's like my grandpa (assistant coach Bill Karr) said afterward: 'It was a bad day, but a great season.' "

Heuer can feel proud when he reflects back on his final season and his career.

"I had my own expectations of winning state, but I was right there, and I finished second,'' Heuer said. "I really feel good about the whole year, and I made some school history at the same time. I didn't need a plaque, a ring, or a medal.

"This year is something I can always carry with me in my mind. I kind of left a little bit of a mark, here, and that's satisfying. I've put so much time and energy into my tennis over my four years here.

Looking back, it was all worth it.''