The San Lorenzo High School tennis team is a team that almost wasn't. At the beginning of the school year, it was on the list of teams to be considered for elimination.
"I just told them at the beginning of the year - we might have budget cuts, so you guys go and look up stuff, anything that you can find for grants, donations - anything that is possible," said Cyrus Sagar, tennis coach. "What did you think was going to happen?" asked ABC7's Terry McSweeney.
"Nothing," said Sagar.
But something did happen. Timmy Huynh jumped on the U.S. Tennis Association website and applied for a grant to save the team and the sport he loves.
"It's mental and physical at the same time - for up to five hour matches, and then you cheer on your teammates from the bleachers. It's quite a fun experience," said Timmy Huynh, San Lorenzo High student.
He implored fellow players and San Lorenzo High School alum to write letters of support. Huynh hopes he set an example.
"Maybe next year if a situation like this occurs, people will step and do something about it," said Huynh.
The United States Tennis Association responded with $1,500.
We can actually buy squeegees, new balls, equipment that's been neglected too long," said Sagar.
And Tim is not done with his fundraising efforts. He has now applied for money to benefit every athletic department in all high schools in the San Lorenzo Unified School District.
"Kids don't do things like that these days. They're more concerned about what you're going to do for me, rather than what can I do for you, or what can I do for your school, or what can I do for my tennis team. I wish there were more kids like that," said Tom Longaker, athletic director.
"They say we need people like you, you're a good person - that's what folks say. It's all for the team," said Huynh.
It's hard to say how many matches this team will win this season, but the fact they're having a season. Is a huge victory in itself.
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