Western Nebraska Pandemic Invite Gives HS Seniors Second Opportunity

High school senior girls in western Nebraska may have missed out on the state high school tennis tournament because of COVID-19, but they’re getting another chance to officially end their season and play one last time with competing seniors from neighboring districts. 

The Western Nebraska Pandemic Invite will take place on Saturday, July 11, at Cody Park in North Platte. Players will represent their respective schools but it is a club-sponsored event. Sponsors include the USTA Missouri Valley and the Western Nebraska Tennis Club.

“The plan is to have a high school senior tennis tournament for all the schools from North Platte/McCook to the west,” said Darren Emerick, one of the organizers and head tennis coach for Scottsbluff High School. “That would include those two programs plus Ogallala, Alliance, Gering, Hershey and Scottsbluff, seven total.” Emerick added that the tournament will be made up of all seniors, with a few juniors to fill out teams. 

The invite will be round-robin (six-game pro sets) with teams of six playing both singles and doubles.  There are also plans for tourney t-shirts, gift bags, a senior/parent recognition, and a big catered lunch. The event will conclude with team and individual winners.