Elwell excels at quad

Senior stellar, but Lions win 1, lose 2

Whether it’s a new style or a complete attitude adjustment, Lawrence High’s Scott Elwell had it working Thursday.

His long, black shorts and intimidating, dark socks and shoes visually dominated the LHS quadrangular tennis meet. Every other player donned matching white ankle socks and shoes.

Elwell, an Iowa University signee, was equally dominant in his matches, winning all three in the first performance of his senior season at the Lawrence Tennis Center.

The Lions weren’t as fortunate. LHS defeated Topeka Seaman 4-0 in its first match, but lost 3-1 to both Washburn Rural and Topeka West in the four-team dual.

So is Elwell’s new look about image or intensity?

“I guess it’s kind of a little of both,” he said.

Elwell is trying anything to improve a “disappointing” fifth-place finish at state last year.

“Yeah, it might be a bit of a confidence thing,” said LHS coach Dick Wedel, who couldn’t help but notice Elwell’s new court wear, which also included a headband.

Lawrence High senior Scott Elwell rifles a forehand during a singles match. Elwell won three matches, but LHS went 1-2 in a quad Thursday at the Lawrence Tennis Center.

“But he sure played with confidence today,” Wedel said. “He had two matches that could have been pretty tough, and he made them look pretty routine.”

Elwell blanked Topeka Seaman’s Tyler Levier 8-0 in the first round before thumping Washburn Rural’s Drew Hanson, 8-3. Elwell ended the afternoon with an 8-1 win against Topeka West’s Brad Johnson.

“I felt like I was on today for the most part. There were a few up-and-down moments,” Elwell said. “It’s a bit disappointing knowing that this was the start of my last season, but that also means my goal of state is starting here and now.”

Despite the team losses, Wedel found good in Thursday’s matches.

“We finally had wonderful weather,” Wedel said. “The last couple of practices had been brutally frigid.

“The kids had been asking me: ‘Why are we out here?’ And I said, ‘Because it’s not raining.’ And I also didn’t think we could afford to take days off from hitting.”