Several local players claim titles at UIL State Tennis tournament

Vernon’s Kale Castleberry and boys doubles teams from Burkburnett and Quanah emerged as champions at the UIL State Tournament in San Antonio. Castleberry, who had a perfect 52-0 record in singles as a senior, secured the 3A boys singles title by defeating Wall’s Joseph Melone 6-4, 6-2.

Burkburnett’s Caden Coker and Owen Ruiz fought hard in both the semifinals and finals to claim the 4A boys doubles title. Despite dropping the first set, Quanah brothers Dwight DonJuan and Ahla DonJuan rallied back to win the 2A boys doubles final.

Castleberry’s mother and coach, Carrie Castleberry, praised his resilience in the face of tough competition, noting the challenge of defeating an opponent four times in a season. Burkburnett coach Kelli Winn commended Coker and Ruiz for their perseverance and teamwork throughout the tournament.

In the Class 2A competition, Mason dominated with three titles, but Quanah’s DonJuan brothers prevented a clean sweep by securing the boys doubles championship. The duo overcame a 4-0 deficit in the third set of their semifinal match before clinching victory in the final.

Despite some close matches, other area teams fell short in their respective finals. Vernon’s Jonathan Medina and Nevan Schur, as well as Benjamin’s Tallon Hayes and Valeria Zavala, put up strong fights but ultimately finished as runners-up in their divisions.

Overall, the UIL State Tournament showcased the talent and determination of high school tennis players from across the state, with Castleberry, Coker, Ruiz, and the DonJuan brothers emerging as standout champions in their respective categories.