Being hungry is a trait that athletes need to help them get what they want. The funny thing is some players eat better than others and when they get a taste of a good meal they become satisfied. Satisfaction is a slippery slope. We want our athletes to be satisfied but as soon as they realize what they have achieved they see what they can achieve if they become hungry again. Sometimes the lack of progress comes from comfort, an idea that more work will not produce a greater product, or maybe just maybe the want is no longer there.
Tonight’s profile is about Austin Comings. If you have a picture of a college dude in your head, it is probably his portrait. Style, means, and a lifestyle that did not really warrant callouses was how most people saw Austin. He was more than that but was a dude. When I first met Austin, he had come to watch a match we were playing against Rollins. I believe we were getting destroyed and I was sure that Austin would end up going to our rival. It appeared that it fit his personality and life a little better. Much to my surprise he was at our courts when school began in the fall. He came in as a walk on and really didn’t have too much success as a freshman. Fighting for a starting role really wasn’t what Austin was about. He had reached a decent level in juniors, was talented, and didn’t have to put out too much effort to just get by. This made succeeding past where he was difficult, but hey he was on the team and could spin the lack of play however he wanted.
Traveling to Orlando for matches or tournaments was a lot more fun when Austin was on the team. This was where he resided with his mom and sister so when we went that direction all the players gained a mom. We had a few meals at his house and let me tell you she could cook. While we were at the house it was a time that I could see the team in an environment that led them to put down their guards and just be guys and not athletes looking for the next victory. Though Austin wasn’t in the starting line up the guys liked him because of his chill attitude. If there was a music festival nearby, Miami was nearby in his mind, he would get some of the guys to go. He had his own phrases and just breezed through.
As Austin made his way through his college career it became apparent that it was going to be tough for him to crack the top six. Saying this may seem that it was from a lack of talent but that was far from the truth. He had a great game for college. He had a big serve, a huge forehand, and court smarts. He just didn’t have the heart to hurt himself physically or mentally to make the next step in his playing career. I cannot be mad at him but to say I was not disappointed would be an understatement. It is always sad to see a player with talent not want to share it with the rest of us. I cannot be mad because I never had the opportunity to dig deeply into his psyche or to hear his innermost thoughts. Our relationship was a shallow one and he only allowed me to see what he thought I wanted to see. His game was big, his desire to achieve that game was small, but his heart towards his teammates was always sincere.
Not only did his family treat the team as their own kids when it was possible but the team also had the opportunity to have a few weekends at the beach condo his family owned. The condo was steps away from the ocean and the guys, telling me the G-rated version, always seemed refreshed and excited when they returned. During the end of his junior year Austin came to let me know that he would not be on the team next year. He was doing an internship in LA and he wanted to leave his options open and tennis was just going to be too much. As I have stated already, his talent was good but his desire was more about fun. When he finally quit the team he and I would occasionally run into one another when he would come down to the courts to hit tennis balls. This was when I became most frustrated with him. He was playing so good, so free, and so carefree but it was on his terms. He was good at his own world but did not like restrictions that others put on him.
I haven’t spoken to Austin since he left FSC and don’t know if I ever will. We do not travel in the same circles nor do I even know what he is doing now. He was a great kid who I hope has found the freedom he craved.
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