Tyler Palmateer
Daily Elk Citian
Don’t ever tell Drew Rader there is nothing to learn in practice, just two days from playing at the 4A state tennis tournament in Oklahoma City.
The Elk City High School junior and No. 1 doubles player fixed a key glitch in his serves, after some instruction from coach Gina Curtis at Wednesday’s practice.
“I was throwing the ball out in front of me, where I was facing. Now I’m keeping the ball in close to me and my serves are going in a lot more often.”
After placing third overall in its regional at Earlywine, in Oklahoma City on Monday, the Elk City High School boys tennis team qualified every member of its team for the state tournament this weekend, and practiced for one of the final times before its last outing of the year.
Connelly Rader, Drew’s brother and No. 1 doubles partner, returns to state after filling in for an injured player last year. The sophomore said the experience should be helpful as the Elks embark into a championship environment.
For more, pick up a copy of the Thursday, May 10 edition of the Daily Elk Citian.
Elks in 4A state tournament
• No. 1 singles — Freshman Joseph Albert
• No. 2 singles — Sophomore Garrett Parkhurst
• No. 1 doubles — Sophomores Drew and Connelly Rader
• No. 2 doubles — Juniors Jeremy Atkinson and Sam Albert
Where: Oklahoma City Tennis Center
When: May 11 and 12
How the Big Elks got there: Placed third in Monday’s regional at Earlywine in Oklahoma City