The Chanute Blue Comets hosted Coffeyville, El Dorado, Fort Scott, Iola, Neodesha and Paola for a boys tennis meet at the Chanute Community Sports Complex on Thursday, April 24.
Senior Ethan Burnett and junior Ayden Cummings remained undefeated at home on the year, riding a 4-0 record to a first place finish in the No. 1 Doubles bracket. The duo managed to best Lane Eck and Theron Mays of El Dorado, a squad that defeated the Blue Comets at the state tournament last year.
“Burnett and Cummings stood out the most tonight,” Chanute head coach Jeff Smith said. “They have been struggling to win tough matches this season. They really locked in this week at practice and we could really feel the energy change going into these matches. They did a fantastic job tonight.”
The night also played host to senior night recognition, and quite a few emotions between the athletes, parents, and the coaches.
“Ethan Burnett is going to leave a lasting impact on this program,” Smith said. “All of my future players will be trying to catch him with all of his wins and accolades. I can’t begin to explain how much he means to this program.”
In the same draw, senior Luke Becknell and sophomore Logan Bilby finished third with a 3-1 record.
“Luke Becknell has been a great doubles player for us,” Smith said. “He’s a four year guy that is looking to make it to state again this year. I’m hoping he can achieve that and go out the right way.”
In the No. 1 Singles draw, senior Arthur Schmitt finished fourth with a 2-2 record. Although this was the only season that the Brazilian exchange student suited up as a Blue Comet, Smith noted he still had an impact on the team.
“It has been fun getting to know him this season,” Smith said. “The guys all gravitate towards him because of his fun personality.”
No. 2 Singles saw senior Jacob Pierce claim a runner-up finish with a 3-1 record.
“Jacob Pierce is another four year guy for us that meant so much to me and our program,” Smith said. “He is a fantastic human being and the kind of guy that I would want my own son to shadow and learn from.”
Junior Kemper Manly went 1-3 for a sixth place finish in No. 1 Singles, and freshman Nathan Guernsey posted a 2-2 record for a fourth place finish in No. 2 Singles. No. 2 Doubles saw juniors Caleb Cope and Harrison Vaughan finish runner-up with a record of 3-1, while junior Eli Atherton and freshman Thor Bogle finished third with a 2-2 record in the draw.
