By Ronnie Schneider

Hello again everyone! Glad to be writing this blog again, apparently my last one was good enough to be asked to do another one, so I'm excited.

My day didn't go so great today. I lost in the finals of the Boys 16s in three sets to Gage Brymer. It was a hard one to swallow, but I had an outstanding tournament and have nothing to be ashamed of. That being said, this match will hang with me for a while.

Anyways, the day started out with me waking up at 6:15 for my 12:30 match. Crazy? Yes, but I had my two hits lined up for 7:30 and 11. After I hit the first time with my coach, Bryan Smith, I went and got breakfast at Subway. My foot long western egg and cheese was delicious. I then went back to the hotel for about an hour and a half and did homework, which has been a constant theme for me this second half of the tournament.

I hit again with my coach at 11, and after that I headed to Rancho for my finals match. I saw where the girls 16s match went to a long three sets, and was praying that the boys 18s didn't take that long. Thankfully for me, it didn't, and I was on the court around 1:15 or so.

My match with Gage was 6-1, 3-6, 6-2 in his favor. He played extremely well, especially in the first and third sets, and earned the win today. Playing on center court with all the ball runners and umpires was a great experience. I felt very special having everyone there taking care of me. I am now in Ontario spending the night because I have a flight that leaves tomorrow at 6:30 a.m., which means I have to miss another day of school. My teachers must love me.

Before I go, I want to give a shout out to all those who are supporting me while I'm here in Cali and my life back home in general. First off, my mom and dad, who have always been there for me. My coach Bryan Smith, Mike O'Connell, my high school coaches Joe Doyle and Ron Remak, my strength and conditioning coach Tom Morris, and my extended family who is following me back home, especially my Uncle Dee and Uncle Scott. They are all amazing and each help make me who I am.

Take Care,
Ronnie