Irick still alive at state tennis

? Lawrence High’s Thomas Irick went 2-1 in singles on the first day of the Class 6A state tennis tournament and continues play today at the Kossover Tennis Center in the consolation bracket.

Irick lost his first match to Max Katcher of Blue Valley Northwest, 6-2, 6-4, but came back and defeated Brandon Williams of Wichita Southeast, 9-0, and Trevor McChristian of Maize, 9-3.

In doubles, Austin Abbott and Christoph Brandt of LHS lost their first two matches to exit the tournament. Free State’s Miles Stevens and Brandon Juracek also lost two straight.

In singles, Free State’s Josh Saathoff lost to Jonas Gotte of Dodge City, 2-6, 3-6, and to Lee Fitchett of Olathe Northwest, 8-9 (5-7).

“While the results were not what we had hoped, looking back from the beginning of the season, qualifying three seniors for state who had never qualified before is an amazing accomplishment,” FSHS coach Oather Strawderman said.