Tiger Sports Spotlight: Camilo Patino

Aniecia Brewster
MC Contributor/Staff Writer

For Camilo A. Patino, it’s more than just a match on the tennis court at Jackson State University. Patino, a senior and men’s tennis player, will be receiving his bachelor of science degree in industrial technology focusing on manufacturing and design in April 2016.

Patino came to Jackson State with a scholarship and wanted to receive the best experience academically and athletically during his collegiate years.

“I try to live each day 100 percent, always giving my best in anything I do. I see everyday as an opportunity to learn and improve not only in my sport but also in any aspect of life. I always have that in mind,” said Patino.

Patino was proud about his previous season stats.

“I got the All-Southwestern Athletic Conference team doubles with one of my teammates. But I think what I’m really proud about was 2015 SWAC championship were we as a team beat Alcorn State in the semis,” said Patino.

Alcorn was seeded No. 1 and JSU was seeded No. 4.

Patino also stated, “Now we believe and we think we can win this year.”

While playing on the tennis court, Patino gives it his all in every match.

“I play each match as if it was my last. I’ve been improving during the years at JSU. Now I’m playing in the top positions and I’m happy about that. But I don’t just want to play in the top positions, I also want to win and give those matches and points to my team,” said Patino.

During this season, Patino plans to individually get points in his position, which means he has to win his matches. As a team, the goal has been set and that goal is to become 2016 SWAC champions. Patino feels they can get the championship and go to regionals.

Patino plans to continue his tennis career after graduating.

“I love my sport so much. I would really like to stay in it for a little longer. It’s hard to retire or “hang the racquets” after so many years of training and competitions. One of my future goals is having my own sport-training center, not only for tennis but for other sports too.”

Patino continued, “I want to combine my technology knowledge and sport experience in order to help and improve players of all sports and levels.”

Nevertheless, all the responsibilities, time management, training and people skills that you develop and use when playing for a team are great things that can still be used after college years are over. Sometimes, it’s hard to stick to a plan.

Patino indicated that tennis is a sport where you can face all kind of players with different styles of game. So, his strategy is always playing his game. He likes being aggressive and moving forward toward the net. If he sees he has to change his style then he will during the match.

“It’s always a good feeling having people cheering you on and pushing you. In the other side, we would like to have more support from the athletics department,” said Patino.

At the end of Patino’s season, he sees the tennis team winning the SWAC and going to nationals.