By Ken Hansard
Wichita East senior singles player Beau Adamson finished his junior tennis season 24-3, succumbing at state in the second round. Heading into this year’s state tourney (story was sent to print prior to the state tournament), Adamson is 19-6 after finishing third at the GWAL meet, and he couldn’t be more excited about the thought of competing, “I am really looking forward to state. I’ll see the best high school tennis players from across Kansas. It’s also a chance to travel with my teammates and enjoy that time with them.”
Sharing the experience is important to Adamson, because he truly relishes his calling as a role model for the younger Aces. “Being a senior means being a leader, and as one of the star players, my role is even more crucial. I’m able to inspire and teach the newer players. The main goal is to have fun and teach the next generation to lead.”
There is another reason why Adamson is grateful for the connections he has fostered with teammates, “In tennis, consistency is key. If you can make one more ball than your opponent, you win the point. Most people don’t understand what a mental game tennis is. Maintaining focus for up to three hours while hot and tired is difficult. We’re a close-knit team, and I’m thankful our other players will be there to support me.”
Adamson has many interests and is active in East High’s school culture and in his community. He is a member of YoungLife, an organization that teaches kids around the world about Jesus Christ and helps them grow in their faith. He is also a standout in the classroom and a member of the National Honors Society and Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica (Spanish Honors Society). Next fall, he will attend WSU to study in their aerospace engineering program. He eventually plans to become a pilot.
