Anchors away

Life never stops. To that end, it's been a whirlwind five days for Nature Coast Technical's P.J. Watterson.
Watterson was recently feted by the area coaches and the Hernando Today staff as this past season's Hernando County Boys Tennis Player of the Year.
Not bad for a guy who had never been named All-County in his previous three seasons.
"Honestly, I'm shocked that I got it," described Watterson on the announcement. "I didn't go unbeaten. I didn't go 17-0. But I'm honored and humbled by the selection. It really does mean a lot to me. With the week I've had, this news kinda came out of left field and I enjoy it."
After turning 18-years-old last Thursday, he followed that joyous occasion by delivering a 'low key' commencement speech Friday night in front of 340 fellow graduates as the Sharks' sixth-ever valedictorian.
Besides continuing to take tennis lessons on the side, the 5-foot-9, 150-pound Watterson is less than three weeks away from shoving off for his life's next port of call - the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.
Watterson 101
Watterson, who was born in Spartanburg, S.C., is the youngest of eight children to Dr. Philip and Cherilynn Watterson.
Watterson, a resident of Silverthorn Golf and Country Club, recently completed his fourth varsity season with the Sharks - all under Head Coach Tom Brown.
Watterson finished 12-5 overall this spring in the sport's toughest position - No. 1 singles.
Unlike in 2008, when he lost the 2A-6 No. 1 singles finals to Hernando High sophomore Chris Nyholm, he came back to capture not only the coveted No. 1 singles title but also the No. 1 doubles crown with sophomore teammate Simon Toftegaard.
Unfortunately, Watterson dropped his lone match in singles and doubles at states.
All told, Watterson leaves NCT with a school-best 42-20 won-lost mark in singles play and a combined 35-16 slate in doubles.
According to Central Head Coach Hank Deslaurier, there was only one clear choice for Player of the Year.
"I've known P.J. for so long," recalled Deslaurier. "His game has come along real well. He's not the same player he was when he was a freshman. Let's just say you could get in his head when he was younger, not now.
"You can tell he's worked on his overall game," added Deslaurier. "He doesn't get rattled anymore. He's worked off the courts quite a bit."
Coach Brown described Watterson in three words, "Three state appearances. That in and of itself says a lot about this young man.
"His biggest growth came this past year outside of high school," he added. "Before he had the skills but he had to get his head straight. This year he played every match as if it were his last."
Besides his court presence, Watterson epitomized the label student/athlete.
On Friday night Coach Brown was fortunate enough to introduce Watterson during the school's commencement exercises as the school's valedictorian.
"It's one of the proudest moments of my life," Brown said.
Commencement speech
"Coach's introduction was great," recalled Watterson. "It was an emotional moment for both of us. At first, I was kinda nervous. I'd never spoken in front of so many people. I put a little extra emotion into it, but I was glad it was low key."
What about peering back at his time on the California St. campus?
"Looking back, I'm glad I stayed," expressed Watterson. "And finished all four years there. I feel like it's time to move on."
Shark highlights, lowlights
Watterson, who carried a 4.4 grade point average at NCT, was asked to recall his highlights and lowlights of the Sharks' outstanding campaign.
"The highlights included winning as a team in districts and winning as an individual," remarked Watterson of the Class 2A, District 6 Tournament at Zephyrhills' Zephyr Park courts. "What made it sweeter was coming back after losing in singles last year and team after finishing third."
The low tide in his season was not dropping his lone singles and doubles matches at states, but rather when the team was dismissed from the state title chase in regionals by Lecanto at Delta Woods Park, 6-1.
"The biggest difference in the second meeting against Lecanto was in our heads," described Watterson. "Personally, I thought I came into the first Lecanto match as an underdog. After we won that match (5-2 in Citrus County) we kinda let that (win) get in our heads a little bit.
"In regionals, (his opponent) Tommy (Saltsman) played better than I did. No excuses," recalled Watterson. "Their whole team was much more focused the second time we played 'em. They knew what they had to do and put it all together. No doubt, they (Lecanto) earned it.
"The low point in our season was losing in regionals," shrugged Watterson. "I really thought we had the team to do it (reach states together). Individually, losing to (Victor) Espinoza in states was hard to swallow. We both knew who ever won that match would have a better draw to reach the finals. We had the longest match that morning. It was a heck of a match, but he won. Sure I was disappointed, but you learn to move on to bigger and better things."
What's next?
Watterson admits that he can't wait to report to Annapolis on July 1.
What his biggest hurdle?
"I'd say probably time management," indicated Watterson, who will be concentrating in political science or mathematics at the Academy. "I've been told they will purposely throw things at me to see how I prioritize things."
What about leaving the shelter of Hernando County?
"I like being at home, but at the same time I'm ready to get out there on my own. It's kinda a mixed bag," explained Watterson. "My parents have given me their blessings (about going). They never pushed me on the Academy. That was my decision. It'll be tough, especially for my mom when I leave."
And what about leaving the game of tennis for good?
"Actually, the Naval Academy has a physical education requirement, so I have to play something," he smiled. "And I haven't made up my mind if I'll play tennis again or not. I've played since I was 5-years-old. Or maybe I'll pick squash. Who knows? What's the worst thing that could happen if I get chosen for the 'D' tennis team?"
Not much, especially on his second home-away-from-home.

By the Numbers: NCT's P.J. Watterson
- Compiled by TONY CASTRO

SINGLES:
YEAR W L .PCT
2006^ 7 6 .538
2007 12 5 .706
2008^ 11 4 .733
2009$* 12 5 .706
TOTALS 42 20 .677
$ 2A State qualifier
* Denotes 2A-6 champion
^ Denotes 2A-6 runner-up

DOUBLES
YEAR W L .PCT
2006 0 4 .000
2007* 15 3 .833
2008$* 11 6 .647
2009$* 9 3 .750
TOTALS 35 16 .686
$ 2A State qualifier
* Denotes 2A-6 champion