May is going to mark a first for Henryetta tennis.
The town has been chosen to host both the boys and girls 4A regional tournaments. That will bring in players from 13 4A Region III schools ranging from Tecumseh to Oilton, Bristow to Wagoner.
courtsThat choice is said to have been made because of the massive work done at the Dr. Carlton E. Smith Tennis Complex. This past year nearly $250,000 was spent giving the courts a new playing surface and overall look.
Statewide, four sites were selected to be 4A regional hosts with Henryetta being the only small town named. The other sites include the Grand Racquet Club n Tulsa, Earlywine Tennis Center and the Oklahoma City Tennis Center. Those facilities have upwards of 40 tennis courts each.
"This is the first time Henryetta has ever had such an honor," said retired tennis coach Mike Kennedy. "Because of the new facility, we have the capability to hold these types of tournaments that will be bringing in some of the best players in Region III. That also will be a boost to the town since they will also bring coaches and several hundred spectators with them. Those people will be eating here, getting gas and shopping."
The girls regionals will be held May 2 while the boys regionals is scheduled the following week.
"I'm excited for the players, coaches and their families to see our facilities," said HHS coach Dustin Mosco. "The four courts downtown are going to be showcased by top tennis players." Mosco has been named tournament director for the regional championships. Winners there will be going to the state tournaments to be held in Oklahoma City later in May.
Schools attending the two tournaments include Henryetta, Byng, Sallisaw, Harrah, Beggs, Bristow, Cleveland, Okmulgee, regent Prep, Oilton, Wagoner, Tecumseh, Weleetka and Little Axe.