Dax Betzen and Kynley Craddock, Randall tennis
On the court: Randall’s mixed doubles team grabbed gold at the UIL Class 4A State Tennis meet last week in San Antonio. The duo, that ended the year 38-2 on the season, ran through the quarterfinals and semis with relative ease before facing off against Bradley Enriquez and Hannah Terry from Canyon. Facing the Eagles netters for the third time this season they quickly grabbed the first set 6-1 using strong groundstrokes and dominant net play. In the second set, the pair found themselves in a dogfight but broke serve at 5-4 to nab first place and a third straight victory over Canyon.
The win was the third gold for Betzen in his high school tennis career while it was the fourth for Craddock.
Coach Darby Norman: “We knew their experience would make them a very good team going into this season and they matched up well against any team in the state in Class 4A. At the start of the season, they set a goal of grabbing gold at state and they never strayed from that. In that finals match I thought their focus was outstanding and really was the difference. Beating a team three times in one season is difficult but they made it a priority to start out quickly in the match. When Canyon fought back in that second set they never wavered or got nervous and took care of what was in front of them.”
Betzen: “Right after winning gold this fall in team tennis, I began studying who our opponents would be across the state, and I felt like we had as good a shot to win state as anyone and that gave us confidence going into every match this season. We had a small mental lapse during the middle of the season, but we got out of it quickly and were ready to go at district. In that final match against Canyon, we had a game plan going into the match that we knew worked. One of our biggest things is high intensity on the court and that helped us get out quickly and grab that first set. When the match got close in the second set I felt like Kynley and I handled the pressure well and put enough balls in play to get the win.”
Craddock: “I’m very grateful to get to play with one of my best friends. Getting to go through the season with him was special to me and this year allowed us make memories and win gold together. All season coach has stressed to us that the girl has to set up the guy for you to win the point at the net. One of my big things I was trying to accomplish in that final match was to make sure I got the ball in play to set up Dax to win the point. I think we executed that well which helped us win the match.”
About Betzen
Favorite band or musician: Aaron Watson
Favorite social media platform: Instagram
Favorite athlete: Rafael Nadal
Bet you didn’t know: He’s going to study acting at the University of Oklahoma.
Parents: Todd and Cristin Betzen.
About Craddock
Favorite band or musician: Ariana Grande
Favorite social media platform: TikTok
Favorite athlete: Rafael Nadal
Bet you didn’t know: She’s an actress.
Parents: Zach and D’Ann Craddock.