Graduating McAlester High School senior Rhylan Riddel starred for the Buffaloes tennis team for four years.

“Growing up in McAlester has definitely been a unique experience. I think that our community is very special because we are all so connected,” Riddel said. “I’m gonna miss my family and friends all being in one town with me.”

Riddel plans to attend the University of Oklahoma this fall, majoring in human health and biology.

“After university, I want to attend medical school and become a surgeon,” Riddel said. Riddel started playing tennis around 6 years old.

“My teacher was babysitting me during the summers, and she decided to sign us up for summer tennis camps,” Riddel said. “I kept going every summer, and when freshman year started and I came to McAlester High School, I decided to play.
Riddel represented the Buffaloes in the No. 1 singles spot this spring. He captured a first round win over Southeast’s No. 1 single before losing to Cascia Hall’s James Benien, the eventual class 5A state champion, in the second round. Riddel came back to advance to the seventh place championship match.

“I am proudest of the fact that I made it to state every year,” Riddel said. “A lot of hard work goes into making it past regionals.”

Through playing tennis, Riddel learned lessons he hopes to carry into the next chapter of his life:

“The one greatest lesson that tennis has taught me is that you should always stay level-headed and not let your mood affect your performance.”