By Matt Browning

Wesley Wurm of McPherson was voted the Salina Area Boys Tennis Player of the Year. Wurm, along with doubles partner Tyler Bontrager, took third at the 4A Tournament.

“I’ve always played tennis because it’s fun, and I never expected to be given an award like this, especially when the players around me are so good,” Wurm said. “It’s an honor, and I am very thankful.”

Enjoying himself and always reminding himself to have fun was crucial for Wurm, despite the season not finishing the way he and his team would have hoped.

“I played very well and had fun, and that’s what matters,” Wurm said. “Obviously, I wanted to win state, either with my partner in doubles or as a team, but we didn’t. I left it all on the court, so I am pleased with my season.”

Wurm has always had exceptional ability, but being able to be consistent with that ability has eluded him. That changed this year and it showed in Wurm’s results.

“Last year I had a hard time being consistent with my serve and groundstrokes every match, but this year I worked on those two things a lot and had consistent shots throughout the season,” Wurm said. “This allowed my partner and I to set up plays that could give us points very easily, and it was very fun.”