Scout Adams and Cooper Richardson, West Plains tennis
On the court: The West Plains mixed doubles duo of Scout Adams and Cooper Richardson left their mark in the school history books becoming the first ever student-athletes to bring home state championships.
Last Friday in San Antonio at the UIL Class 4A state tennis tournament, Adams and Richardson were able to fend off familiar rivals Macy Betzen and Brandon Ysaguirre of Hereford.
After Adams and Richardson beat the Hereford duo at district, Betzen and Ysaguirre were able to take down the West Plains team at regional. However, the third matchup brought a tremendous match with Adams and Richardson winning in three-sets 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 to capture the monumental state championship.
Head coach Cristah Cochran: “It was really coo to see them win the first state title in school history. We were there last year and fell short. Scout was there last year as well and wanted to get back and win a gold. It wasn’t easy. We knew we had to go out and execute. We also had to play Hereford for a fourth this year and these teams know each other so well. I’m just so proud of Scout and Cooper. They worked hard and are two very coachable athletes that achieved their goal.”
Adams: “It was feels really good to say we’re state champions. I went to state with different partner last year and I really wanted to get back and win it. I knew there was a lot of pressure because we played the same doubles over and over. It’s amazing to be first state champions for West Plains. It feels unreal but I’m just so proud and I could not have done it without Cooper and my coaches.”
Richardson: “It was exciting. It’s just so hard to put it into words. We’ve been putting in the work all year and we wanted to see all that time and grind come together. It was hard playing the same team over and over, but we knew we could do it. This is something we’ll never forget.”
About Adams
Favorite band or musician: SZA
Favorite social media platform: Instagram
Favorite athlete: Serena Williams
Bet you didn’t know: She will attend Texas Tech University.
Parents: Martin and Christi Adams
About Richardson
Favorite band or musician: Lana Del Ray
Favorite social media platform: Instagram
Favorite athlete: Caitlyn Clark
Bet you didn’t know: He loves Chemistry.
Parents: Kevin and Darcie Richardson