One of this year’s nominees is local tennis guru Rich Johns, long-time girls’ tennis coach at Saratoga Springs High School. Over the last 26 years, Johns has quietly built a solid tennis program for the Blue Streaks, collecting 17 Suburban Council and nine sectional team titles, all without cutting a single player.

Johns has utilized a no-cut policy from the very beginning of his coaching career, largely to increase numbers and promote the sport in the early stages of the program. It didn’t take long for the girls’ program to take off, eventually earning the Section II record for Class A with 85 consecutive wins from 1989-1996.

Although one original goal might have been to increase numbers, it is clear that Johns strongly believes in promoting the sport by giving everyone a fair shot. “By not cutting anyone, you never know who is going to blossom,” said Johns.

The success of Johns’ program is a result of more than just a well-publicized no-cut policy, however. He demands hard work and respect from his players, and accepts nothing less.

“I have a no-cut policy, but it is an ongoing process,” said Johns. “During the season if a player violates a rule or doesn’t come to practice, they have a right to cut themselves.”

Also important to Johns are sportsmanship and humility. He hopes to instill respect and a love for the game of tennis in every player, while teaching skills that will benefit them both on and off the court.

A native of South Glens Falls, Johns attended Adirondack Community College for one year before traveling to Potsdam to finish his college career. He played both tennis and basketball in college, and cites his high school and college tennis coaches as being instrumental in developing his interest and philosophies in coaching.

Johns’ tenure as girls’ tennis coach at Saratoga High School began in 1981 with the programs inception following the enactment of Title IX. Starting with only 15 players, the girls’ program has now grown to include around 60 players each year. Johns also currently coaches the boy’s varsity team, turning out nearly 50 students each season.

Due to the large numbers, Johns was able to start a JV program including students from as young as seventh grade. Unlike other more popular sports, there isn’t a modified program for tennis, and getting players involved at this young age undoubtedly gives them an advantage over other local programs.

The size and breadth of Johns’ program can be likened to a well-stocked farm system in baseball. There is a never-ending source of talented young players who have been nurtured over many years within the tennis program. With this system in place, it is likely that interest in tennis will continue to grow at Saratoga, and Johns’ teams will continue to be successful.

Somehow Johns remains humble despite his success, and is quick to point out the importance of team tennis and what his no-cut policy has meant to the program. In addition to this latest nomination, he has received numerous coaching awards over his career, including Coach of the Year from the Eastern Section of the USTA.

Sitting down with Rich Johns, it’s easy to see why he has been so successful as a coach. With one mention of tennis, he gushes passionately about the sport and revels in his many experiences with a huge smile on his face.

No award could be more fitting for Johns than the prestigious “Starfish Award.” While utilizing a no-cut policy, he serves as a positive role model to students and is an ambassador to the sport itself.