Caveman Boys Soccer Faces Shocking Ups and Downs: What You Won't Believe About Their First Games!

For six consecutive years, Jason Herrud, the American Fork tennis coach, has dedicated his time and expertise to training local student-athletes as part of the ball crew for the prestigious BNP Paribas Open. This renowned professional tennis tournament, held annually in Indian Wells, California, ranks just below the four major grand slams in the sport, drawing top players and massive crowds.

Herrud is not only responsible for supervising the ball crew but also for conducting the rigorous training necessary to prepare youngsters for this vital role. Being a ball kid is more than just retrieving tennis balls; it involves a range of responsibilities that require focus and agility. “They couldn’t run the tournament without these ball kids,” Herrud emphasized, highlighting the importance of their contribution.

This year, Herrud trained four boys from his team, along with three prospective Cavemen, bringing the total to 35 trainees from various local schools, including Corner Canyon and Lone Peak. The selection process was highly competitive, with over 500 applicants vying for a spot on the crew. “Many of them didn’t get in, so the ones that did were pretty lucky and fortunate to have the opportunity,” he noted.

Parents and teachers from American Fork also joined the crew, showcasing a strong community presence. The boys on the team, including Matt Davis, Drew Jacobsmeyer, Bridger Hansen, and Truman Jones, not only gained valuable experience but also enjoyed the camaraderie that came with the trip.

“From my standpoint and from the other teachers that went down, it was pretty neat to see how a tournament of that magnitude works,” Herrud said, reflecting on the organization and teamwork required to manage such a large event. The ball kids endured long hours, often working six-hour shifts, and many even took on double shifts, meaning they could be on their feet for up to twelve hours a day. Their tasks included retrieving towels for players and ensuring smooth operations on the court, all while minimizing distractions.

Davis, a senior and repeat participant, shared his experience. “We were required to do six shifts throughout the week, where each shift is six hours,” he explained. “It’s always fun to have a road trip with your friends, but it’s especially fun when you’re going down to California with your close-knit tennis team working for a professional.” He noted that, although the job can be nerve-wracking, the excitement of being courtside with professional players is unmatched.

While the work is voluntary, the experience comes with perks. “We didn’t get paid, but we got credit for food there, which was just enough for a cheeseburger and fries because the food is so expensive,” Davis said. Participants also received uniforms, including shoes, pants, and sweatshirts, as well as two grounds pass tickets to share with family or friends.

Jones expressed enthusiasm for the experience, stating, “It was a really cool experience being a ball boy at BNP. I loved being so close to the matches and seeing how fast and competitive the game is at that level.” His observations highlighted the level of organization required for professional tournaments and the necessity of remaining alert and responsive to players’ needs.

Ultimately, Herrud views the opportunity as a chance for young players to deepen their love for tennis while contributing to the tournament. “They get to be on court with some of the best players in the world. They get to see them up close,” he said. The tournament also serves as a motivational backdrop for these young athletes, inspiring them to elevate their own games.

This year, the BNP Paribas Open took place from March 4-15 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, which boasts 29 world-class courts, including the 16,000-seat Stadium 1, center court for the tournament. Last year, the event set a record for attendance with over 500,000 spectators. The singles champions each took home a prize of $1,151,380.

With the upcoming construction of the Utah Valley Tennis Club in Lehi, Herrud believes that local athletes will have even greater opportunities to excel in the sport. “It really does empower kids to have a little more confidence to be around the game,” he noted. Through experiences like the BNP Paribas Open, these young athletes are not only developing skills but also building a community centered around a shared passion for tennis.