Staff Report

The Wildwood High boys tennis team closes out its season on Friday with another long road trip, this time to Pitman. The Warriors recently took on Palmyra in the opening round of the South Jersey Group 1 playoffs, where South Jersey Glory Days Staff Writer Dave O’Sullivan caught up with senior singles players Gio Palesano and Chris Hernandez after their matches against the Panthers.

Check out our latest 5 QUESTIONS feature with two of Wildwood’s top tennis players. Palesano said he’s planning to attend Rowan University on the R.O.T.C. program, while Hernandez said he’s considering going to a technical school to train to become a mechanic.

QUESTION: If you could play in the U.S. Open, French Open, Australian Open or Wimbledon, which one would you pick, and why?

PALESANO: I’d pick the U.S. Open because it’s played (in the country) where I’m from.

HERNANDEZ: I’d probably say the U.S. Open, too, just because it’s easier, not too far away. It would be cool to go to Australia though.

Chris Hernandez, a senior singles player at Wildwood, said he loves the small-town feel of his hometown. (South Jersey Glory Days photo/Sully)

QUESTION: What’s the coolest thing about going to high school at the beach?

PALESANO: I’d say the pride in the town, we’re all very close, we all know each other. It’s one of those small towns where everyone knows everybody.

HERNANDEZ: I’d say the boardwalk. And, as a community, it’s really chill. This is a small town, so you know a lot of people.

QUESTION: What do you guys do to stay busy on the long bus rides that Wildwood has to away matches?

PALESANO: I like joking around with my friends and having fun.

HERNANDEZ: I just take naps, listen to music and hang out with my friends.  

Gio Palesano, Wildwood’s No. 1 singles player, said he plans to continue his education this fall at Rowan University. (South Jersey Glory Days photo/Sully)

QUESTION: Would you rather be the valedictorian of your school or the prom king?

PALESANO: Prom king. I’d like to be wearing that crown. (Being valedictorian) would be a great honor, but I’d still want to be prom king.

HERNANDEZ: I’d say prom king. That’d be tuff. You could say that when you went to high school you were the prom king.

QUESTION: How do you plan to spend your first non-high school summer?

PALESANO: I’d say working and hanging out with friends, similar to last summer.

HERNANDEZ: Working, getting money so I can get that BMW.

WHAT’S NEXT: Wildwood at Pitman, Friday, 4 p.m. in the season finale.