They have known one another since they were 7 years old.
On the tennis court, they have played against one another in junior tournaments and played alongside one another as teammates on the Burroughs High boys’ squad.
However, if Trevor Campbell and Robert Henry had ever played as doubles partners before this season is apparently open to debate.
“Robert said that we played one time before a long time ago in a tournament,” said Campbell, a junior. “But I don’t remember that. I’m not sure that we did.”
Whether they had ever played together as a duo is unimportant now. They did team up late in the season and have enjoyed tremendous success.
Campbell and Henry played well Friday at the CIF Southern Section Individual Sectionals at Whittier Narrows Tennis Center in south El Monte. The pair won three matches — including the third in a super-tiebreaker — to advance.
Those wins put the Indians in the CIF Individual Semifinals and Finals on Friday at the Seal Beach Tennis Center.
“This has been a great experience for Trevor and me,” said Henry, a sophomore. “Trevor and I get along so well and we really never get mad at each other.”
For the last two seasons, Campbell and Henry have been the No. 1 and No. 2 singles players, respectively, for Burroughs. In 2008, Campbell was the All-Area Singles Player of the Year. However, in a Pacific League with a wealth of singles talent, Indians Coach Roy Bernhardt decided to pair up the two in hopes they could go farther in the postseason.
That appears to be a great move.
The players not only get along well, but they complement one another on the court.
“It’s just fun playing with Trevor,” Henry said. “He’s a great volleyer and he likes to attack all the time. He’s just a great player.”
Said Campbell of Henry: “He’s very consistent and he plays smart. He’s also not afraid to speak out and talk during a match.”
The pair won the Pacific League championship in easy fashion, ousting Glendale’s Elliot Kim and Jeff Asano, 6-0, 6-0.
That put them in the sectionals. Campbell and Henry won their first two matches relatively easily, 6-0, 6-0, and 6-1, 6-2. However, against a tough Brentwood duo, the Indians fell behind early before rallying for a 2-6, 7-6 (7-4), 10-8, win in a super-tiebreaker.
“That match was so intense, you can’t believe it,” Henry said. “But we were able to come through.”
Unfortunately for the two players, they probably won’t have their coach with them Friday. Bernhardt suffered an apparent heart attack and had surgery Tuesday.
“I definitely feel for him,” Campbell said. “I really wish he could be with us. It won’t be the same without him.”
