By Ken Hansard
All driven athletes understand that one of the keys to greatness is working to improve weaknesses to the point where they become strengths. Wichita Heights tennis player Seth Ogden realized that both his serves and his approach shots were holding him back, so he worked hard to correct that, “It took a lot of repetition, but now those may be my best attributes.”
That same dedication to improvement helped Ogden to identify his goals. He wanted to secure the number one singles spot and lead the team as captain. Check. He wanted to make a deep run and medal at the GWAL City Championships. He checked that box with a 6-2 record in league play and an impressive second place finish at the City League meet. He wanted to make state for a second straight season. He accomplished that, as well.
Ogden, who suffered a few uncharacteristic losses early in the season, didn’t let that deter him and ended up finishing strong at 12-4. He ended up bowing out at the second round at state, with a 5-8 loss, but he was understandably proud of his career accomplishments, “I became the first Heights player to qualify for state during my time there and then became the first to qualify for state two years in a row. I also finished higher in the City League than any other Heights player during my tenure.”
When not on the court, Ogden was active in his school’s culture, participating in band, jazz band, soccer, and DECA. He received a Top 20 International Finalist Award for his DECA event. He maintained a 4.0 GPA and scored an impressive 29 on his ACT. In the fall, Ogden plans to play tennis at Friends University where he plans to study business.
