By Tommy Keeler Jr. -- Daily Staff Writer

WOODSTOCK — Even on the high school level a good coach has to know how to recruit.

Central's Derek Snarr was a standout in golf and basketball, and played for Jeff Walters, the Falcons' former hoops coach, before becoming the starting point guard this past season for first-year coach Roger Wilkins. But it was Walters who made the pitch to Snarr to go from the basketball to the tennis courts in the spring.

And with Snarr preparing to play in the Region II individual singles tournament on Tuesday at Dominion High School, Walters' assumption that Snarr could make a smooth transition has been proved correct.

"It's a lot like golf," Snarr said. "It's kind of laid back. It's not really nerve-wracking. It's a lot of fun."

Walters coached Snarr in golf for four years and one year in boys basketball and knew what kind of athlete he was. He had no doubts that if Snarr came out for the team he would do well.

"He just picks up on things so quickly," Walters said. "He's very competitive. He's just a super athlete. He has great hand-eye coordination."

Snarr moved up and down the ladder last season before settling in at No. 3 singles, but by the time the season was over and the summer had arrived, Snarr and fellow senior Cody George were practicing relentlessly trying to improve their games.

"It's addicting," Snarr said. "Once you hit a couple good shots it motivates you to want to keep hitting them over and over.

"I love a challenge and I just love playing people. It's fun to just go out and hit around."

Snarr also worked with Central assistant coach and former tennis standout Jordon Robinson.

"He has a lot of drive," Robinson said. "He wants to get better and he's easy to coach. I think the biggest thing is he's learning the game and how to put points together."

Snarr lost twice this season to Sherando's Scott Sottosanti, but in the individual singles district tournament, he learned from the losses and earned a regional berth.

In the match, Snarr trailed 5-2 in the opening set, but rallied for a 7-6 (2), 6-2 win. Walters said Snarr's competitiveness took over in the match.

"He never gives up," Walters said. "He's a happy-go-lucky kid, but he always hustles. He never goes out there thinking he isn't going to win."

That attitude helped him throughout the season when he had to face each team's top player. His only losses came to Sottosanti and Handley's John Adams.

Central finished 4-10 and in sixth place in the district, but Walters said Snarr's success gives the program a boost.

In addition to his starring role for the basketball and tennis teams, Snarr qualified for the Group AA state golf tournament this season. But Snarr said he prefers individual sports to team sports.

"I don't think I could live without sports," Snarr said. "I prefer individual ones because you can control your own destiny."

Snarr, who is considering playing golf at Shenandoah University, will get another chance to control his own destiny on Tuesday when he faces Briar Woods' Stephen Law in the Region II singles quarterfinals.

Law, who won the Dulles District individual singles title, will be a tough challenge for Snarr. No matter what happens, Snarr said he feels very good about the season he's had.

"It feels good just knowing that I'm in regionals," Snarr said. "I didn't expect to make it to regionals. I'm not sure what the competition will be like. I'm just going to go down there, try my best and see what happens."

*Contact Tommy Keeler Jr. at tkeeler@nvdaily.com