By Tommy Keeler Jr. -- Daily Staff Writer

WINCHESTER — As an eighth-grader, Stuart Caudill watched his friends, John Adams and John Picklap, play on Handley's junior varsity tennis team and thought the sport might be worth a try.

Three years later, Caudill is at the center of the program's success.

"I thought it looked like fun," Caudill said of his decision to play. "I started playing and practicing a lot. I took lessons out at Stonebrook [Racquet and Fitness Club]."

Caudill has quickly climbed the ladder for the Judges, where he now mans the No. 2 singles position for the Northwestern District regular-season champions. The top-seeded Judges (13-2) will host fourth-seeded James Wood today in the district tournament semifinals at 4 p.m. at the Winchester City Courts.

After playing the past two seasons at No. 6 singles, Caudill made a concerted effort to prepare himself for stiffer competition this season.

"We lost Alex [Funkhouser] and Jon [Roberts] and I knew that I might have the opportunity to move up this season," Caudill said. "So, I worked really hard in the offseason. To move up four spots is pretty rare, so I was excited for the chance to play at 2."

Caudill has made the most of his opportunities with only a couple losses at the new slot.

In Handley's first meeting with Sherando this season, Caudill lost to the Warriors' Trevor Scott, 10-3. The next time the two played, Caudill beat Scott, 10-6.

"Trevor is a great player, he makes some great shots," Caudill said. "It was real exciting to be able to beat him."

"That shows that he's able to make adjustments," Handley coach Jim Robertson said. "Stuart's a smart player. He really uses his head out there. That's what makes him a strong No. 2 for us."

Having a good head on his shoulders helped Caudill pick up the finer points of the game quickly. And under the guidance of John Dokken, Head Club Pro at Stonebrook, Caudill's game has flourished.

Still, it's the mental aspect of the game that compels him. Last year, in a late-season match against James Wood, his mental toughness proved pivotal.

Caudill trailed the Colonels' Noah Lizer, 9-5, in his singles match. Caudill won six straight games to win the match and clinch the team victory for the Judges.

"Mentally that was a big thing for me," Caudill said. "That really reinforced for me that I could come back in a match like that. You always have to believe that you can come back even if you're down 9-0 or you're facing match points. You always have to stay positive."

Handley lost three of its top six players from last season, making the team's success without the benefits of a senior a slight surprise. The Judges have had one of the best programs in the state for the last 12 years, winning four state titles during that span.

Handley is pursuing its 12th consecutive district tournament championship.

Caudill said that was just one of the reasons he wanted to play for the program.

"I was excited to come into one of the best programs in the state," he said. "You know the coaches devote a lot of time into helping the team, and you know you're going to have a good time, and that was important for me."

Last year the Judges were knocked off by Briar Woods in the Region II tournament quarterfinals, and Caudill said the team felt like they should've gone further.

Handley will host a regional quarterfinal on May 20.

"I guess we have a chance to redeem ourselves," Caudill said. "I'm sure that will be a motivating factor. I think we have a chance to go far and do well in regionals this year."

Regardless of how the rest of the season turns out, Caudill said the young squad should be even stronger next year.

"I think everyone will work hard in the offseason and continue to improve for next year," Caudill said. "I think we'll have a strong team next year and for years to come just because [the coaches] are here."

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

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