STATE CHAMPIONS:  Henderson, Carter Hand Abingdon Group AA Doubles Championship

BLACKSBURG, Va. – Moments after concluding his tennis match at Virginia Tech in storybook fashion, Adam Henderson left for a family vacation to Disney World.

No thrill ride could surpass the magical journey the Abingdon senior concluded Saturday, though.

For the second straight year, Henderson teamed with sophomore Randall Carter to win the Group AA doubles championship.

The Falcons won their latest title with a 6-3, 6-3 decision over sophomore Elliot Mee and 6-foot-3 junior Willis Fauntleroy from Region I champion Jamestown.

After the clinching point, Henderson launched his sunglasses high into the air and tackled the slender Carter.

“Disney World is nice, but this feeling is great,” Henderson said. “I never thought I could win two state titles. It’s been a lot of fun.”

Henderson gained fame around Southwest Virginia the past three years for his talents as a quarterback. The future Bridgewater Eagle passed for 5,700 yards and 56 touchdowns in his prep career.

That football background came in handy Saturday, as Henderson displayed a powerful kick-serve along with fitness and tenacity in the 96-degree heat.

“Adam is a strong guy and his serve is just the best I’ve ever seen in high school,” Carter said. “It’s nice to have that to rely on.”

For a while, it appeared AHS would blow a 5-0 lead in the second set. Henderson pointed to a key intangible.

“Experience. We’ve been to this level before and we knew what to do,” Henderson said. “That’s a real good team from Jamestown. They got some momentum and started coming back on us. We had to answer.”

Carter delivered a crisp backhand winner in the final game, while Henderson was consistent with his forehand.

The Falcons were effective throughout the match with their return of serves against the Jamestown combo. Meanwhile, the long-armed Carter won several points with his reach and reflexes at the net.
“We missed a few shots, but we were able to finish it out,” Carter said. “We always have confidence, and we just knew we had to step it up.”

En route to their state titles, the AHS tandem posted a 34-0 record with two district and two regional crowns. In a stat that is perhaps the most impressive, Carter and Henderson only lost one set. Before last year, no Abingdon boys had won a state title in tennis.

Carter, a 6-foot left-hander, also won a district title in singles for the second straight. However, he lost in the Region IV tournament to Salem freshman Patrick O’Keefe, who captured the Group AA single championship Friday.

“That’s a great run right there,” AHS coach Adam Smith said.

While the fans were buzzing and pacing in the second set, the AHS boss remained confident in his star pupils.

“I wasn’t too worried,” Smith said. “Adam and Randall were going for too much on their shots, and they just had to get back to playing together as a team. That’s what I’ve stressed to them all year.”

Emory & Henry tennis coach Jim Barker, who has tutored Carter and many other AHS players, was among the spectators Saturday.

“This is a proud day for me and Abingdon tennis,” Barker said. “Adam and Randall showed what you can accomplish with hard work and focus.”

While athletes and fans were moaning about the hot weather Saturday, Carter concentrated on his goal.

“We practice in the heat a lot,” Carter said. “Once we start playing and get into a groove, the weather is the last thing on my mind. I wasn’t bothered in this match.”

Abingdon fans lingered long after the historic win to savor the moment.

“Unfortunately, Adam is graduating but we’ve got Randall back for two more,” Smith said. “That team state championship continues to elude us, but the sky is the limit for our program.”

While Henderson departed for the Sunshine State Saturday afternoon, his partner had more mundane concerns.

“Disney World would be nice, but I’m heading to basketball camp Monday,” Carter said. “I had a great time playing with Adam the past two years. I’ll miss him.”

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