THE FRONT ROW with JASON ELLIOTT: One year after appendectomy, Cd'A Judson chasing state tennis title

After sweeping his first two matches at state last year, it was safe to say that Coeur d’Alene senior Connor Judson was well on his way to one special finish at the 5A tennis tournament. 

Then, just as quickly, he didn’t get a chance to take the court again. 

JUDSON BEAT Boise’s Jack Grizzaffi 6-0, 6-0 in the opening round, then knocked off Randy Li of Timberline 6-3, 6-3 to advance to the semifinal round. 

“I was totally fine and played really well to start last year,” Judson said.  

It wasn’t until going to watch his teammates at Timberline High that things changed. 

“I kind of noticed that I was starting to feel really sick,” Judson said. “I really started to feel it in my back and a little bit through my midsection.” 

Once the tournament concluded for the day, Judson returned to the hotel with the team, when his symptoms got worse. 

“By the time we left the match, I couldn’t talk,” Judson said. “When we got to the hotel, I couldn’t speak so we went to the hospital.” 

Judson was admitted to the hospital, where he underwent an emergency appendectomy. 

“I think I was playing well last year,” Judson said. “I’ve been really motivated this year after last year.” 

On Friday, Judson, as the third seed this year, beat Rocky Mountain’s Elliott McPeak 6-0, 6-0 in the first round, then topped fifth-seeded Tyler Osborne of Eagle 6-0, 6-0 to advance to the semifinal round today at 11 a.m. PDT at the Appleton Tennis Center in Boise. 

Judson won once at state as a freshman and twice as a sophomore, but has never placed in the event.

“I’ve just worked on being more aggressive and taking charge in matches this year,” Judson said. “I did a little weight training over the summer, and I’ve definitely gotten a lot stronger, and it’s transformed into my play.”

JUDSON PLAYED all kinds of sports growing up, from baseball to football and soccer before dedicating his time to tennis. Judson added he will play anywhere from two or three tournaments a month during the summer, spanning anywhere from locally to Washington or Oregon. 

“I’ve been playing tennis since I was 12 or 13 years old,” Judson said. “Pretty much since I started playing, I’ll train and play at least five or six days a week at Peak. I’ll get lessons a few days a week from some different coaches in the area.” 

Connor’s sister, Audrey, played at Coeur d’Alene and recently completed her sophomore season at NCAA Division III Whitworth University in Spokane.

Jeff Judson, their dad, played at UC Davis. 

“My sister got me into it and our dad played in college at UC Davis,” Connor Judson said. “I’m trying to go my own path, but I look up to him for sure. I just want to see how far I can go and maximize my ability and just love playing sports.” 

Judson has signed to play at Whitworth next year. 

“I’ve learned a lot about it with my sister going there,” Judson said. “I know the players on the team pretty well and I’m also a Christian, so I’m trying to grow my faith as well.” 

The familiarity with the program drew Connor into the Whitworth program. 

“I knew the coaches from some tournaments and really like the coaches there,” Judson said. “I’ve played against some of the players over there and they’re all really super cool people.” 

And he’s learned from some former Coeur d'Alene High players as well. 

“We’ve had some really good players a few years ago and people to look up to,” Judson said. “And I’ve tried to bring that same stuff they brought. We have some good coaches and they’re really dedicated to helping us get better.” 

“What separates Connor from the other players is his work ethic and drive,” Coeur d’Alene boys coach Corey DeLeonard said. “He is a kid that eats, sleeps and breathes tennis. He absolutely loves it and is continuously working to craft his game. Over the last two years, he has added more time in the gym, more time on the court and spent time figuring out the correct diet he needs to help him operate at a high level on and off the court each day. He’s obsessed with the game and always working to be the best he can be.” 

Jason Elliott is a sports writer for The Press. He can be reached by telephone at 208-664-8176, Ext. 1206 or via email at [email protected]. Follow him on ‘X’, formerly Twitter @JECdAPress.