Panthers make history…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Wow, was that Class 6A race at the boys state tennis tournament one of the more exciting things The Boneman has seen in a while.
Seriously, I’m sad it’s all over now. Can’t get me enough of tennis.
In the end, it was a “North” thing that led to Putnam North getting its first team championship.
The Norman North doubles team of Kevin Boyd and Sam Geurkink beat Tulsa Union in a three-set match of the tournament to prevent Union from tying the Panthers for the title.
I watched most of the second and third sets with PCN coach David Diefenderfer. That in itself was quite the experience.
Asked how nerve-racking it was to have his fate decided by somebody else:
Unbelievably. When you have no control over it, it’s worse than watching your team and controlling your own destiny.
It’s been a long time coming. I thought Union was going to be able to do it, but this group is a special group of kids.
As I said in Sunday’s piece, it’s not like Putnam North was handed over the title. Union was a four-time defending champ that went out on its shield.
But in every match possible, the Panthers stepped up. A lot of weight was put on sophomore Chris Haworth’s shoulders, but he came through with a championship and a 38-0 record.
It’ll be tough to duplicate that final match b/w Norman North and Union, though.
I’ve talked a lot with Boyd and Geurkink this season, and they’re just odd. It’s tough to explain.
Guess what I’m trying to say is they’re not from the tennis-heavy schools, so it’s almost like “what are these kids doing here?”
They’re the best Oklahoma HS doubles team I’ve seen in my brief time covering the game, and their attitude was so carefree and loose.
And they’ve been a pleasure to get to know. For more on them, here ya go.
After losing the first set, calmly went back to work. And both Geurkink and Boyd talked about how much they enjoyed that big atmosphere and having all the Putnam North fans cheering them on. Final scored ended up 6-7, 7-5, 7-5.
Also want to give big props to Edmond Memorial No. 1 singles player Duncan Fugitt, who placed second.
I’ve been waiting for him to put it all together and have the tournament of his life. He picked the right time.
Wasn’t shocked he beat Logon Collins of Union in the semifinals but to do it in straight sets and 6-1 in the second was something.
Even against Haworth thought Fugitt might implode a couple of times. But he stayed mentally strong throughout.
Trevor Horstmann of Union dominated the No. 2 singles field while Gavin Dubberstein and Truit Gray of Edmond Memorial did the same at No. 2 doubles.
I predicted Union, PCN, EM. Actual finish: 1. Putnam North; 2. Union; 3. Edmond Memorial.
Memorial also won the academic achievement award again with another 4.0 GPA.
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