NORWICH – The fact that the 1948 Norwich High School tennis team finished the season undefeated did not come as a complete surprise. All five starters from the 1947 team, which went 5-4, were returning. But Norwich had never gone the whole season without a loss, mainly because it played home-and-home with Binghamton Central every year, and had never prevailed in a single match.

In his preseason article, Perry Browne predicted, “Should win at least eight of the 10, and may finish undefeated. Chances of annexing the sectional title are excellent.” There was little doubt which team challenged Browne’s optimism.

Charles O. Miers arrived in Norwich in 1930, and started coaching tennis in 1932. He was the only tennis coach Norwich had ever had, and continued to be until 1963. Miers also ran the city’s summer tennis program, so he was able to spot talent and aptitude among the youngest players, and encourage them until they reached high school.

The No. 1 player in 1948 was Dick Mattice, only a junior. As a freshman and sophomore, he had won the Section IV doubles titles. His first was with Bob “Pinky” Myles and then with Charles “Stub” Stewart. Stewart had been captain of the 1947 team, as a junior, and occupied the No. 2 spot for 1948.