The new state's 18-under racquetball champion, junior Brandon French said he earned the title through hours of practice and by improving certain aspects of his game each week before the tournament.
"I made a contract with Mike McPhee, (French's coach) six months before state (in March) that it was my goal to win it," said French. "And I did."
"His chances of winning were one in 20 last spring," said McPhee. "There were 20 kids in the draw, and he was the least likely to win."
Although French is Montana's best junior racquetball player, he wasn't always this successful. According to French, his dad got him into the game at about six years old, but he didn't play seriously until age 12. In fact, he'd just like to forget his first tournament experience.
"In the entire tournament, I won maybe three points," recalled French. "It really made me want to get better and practice more."
In the last two months, French has played in four tournaments. In Kalispell at the Jerry Corbet tournament Nov. 24-26, French was first in Open-A singles and first in A doubles.
"Mike always gives me a game plan," said French. "And I always think the score is zero-zero so I never get into a bad mind set."
"He's got a great attitude," McPhee agreed. "He learns from every loss. It's the hardest thing to do in sports."
French practices about four to five days a week and takes another day to do speed and quickness drills.
"He works harder in the state than anybody at his level," said McPhee. "He's the most improved player in Montana."
So far, French has learned quickly. As his game continues to expand, he looks ahead for bigger challenges, which include competing at a higher level. "Next summer I hope to go to Colorado Springs to try out for the national team," said French. "After that, in December of 1997, I hope to go to the World Championship in L.A. I hope to do good enough to get recognized and possibly get a scholarship for college."
According to McPhee, French's attitude is the reason for his new-found success.
"Mentally, he's three times as strong as last year," said McPhee. "It's the hardest thing to teach."