The Topeka Tennis Association is preparing for its annual Topeka Tennis Hall of Fame event this weekend at the Bettis Family Sports Complex. This year, 10 exceptional athletes will be inducted into the Hall of Fame, celebrating their remarkable achievements in the world of tennis.
First on the list is Mary Brownback, a standout high school and college tennis player. She clinched the Big 8 Conference Championship in 1977 and 1979 while representing the University of Kansas. In addition, Brownback played a pivotal role in the Jayhawks’ 1979 Big 8 Conference Championship victory.
Next up is Cory Buck, a Topeka West graduate who secured the 5A state championship in doubles during his junior year. Buck, alongside partner Shane Johnston, attained an impressive 34-4 record in 2005.
Drew Hansen, a 2022 Washburn Rural Hall of Fame inductee, is set to receive another honour as he joins the Topeka Tennis Hall of Fame. Hansen’s career highlights include winning the singles state championship in his senior season and being a three-time MIAA Conference Team Champion with Washburn University.
Trevor Hedberg, who clinched the 2005 doubles state championship with Sumeet Patel for Washburn Rural, will also be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Hedberg continued his tennis journey at Baker University, where he showcased his leadership skills as a team captain for three seasons.
Joining the list of inductees is Shane Johnston, who, alongside Cory Buck, emerged as the Class 5A state champions with an impressive overall record of 34-4. Johnston has also received various accolades including selections to the All-City, All-League, and All-Regional teams during his high school career.
Branden Joost, the 2003 Class 5A singles state champion, made a name for himself and went on to play college tennis at Arkansas before closing his career at Washburn University. Joost currently serves as the Director of Tennis at Northland Racquet Club in North Kansas City, Missouri.
Kent Lammers, the esteemed founder of the Topeka Tennis Hall of Fame, will have his name enshrined in the Hall of Fame. As a former Washburn University tennis player, Lammers played an instrumental role in creating a public/private tennis model for Topeka’s Kossover Tennis Center through Wood Valley Racquet Club, Shawnee County Parks and Recreation, and the Topeka Tennis Association.
Sean McManus, a Hayden graduate, clinched the Class 4A singles state championship in 2003 and 2005, and was also part of the Wildcat’s Class 4A team state title victories in ’04 and ’05. His outstanding performances earned him a spot on the Atlantic 10’s All-Conference Team during his college career at Saint Louis University.
Sumeet Patel, who earned All-State honours during his four seasons with Washburn Rural, will also be honoured as he receives a doubles state title with Trevor Hedberg in 2005. Patel now serves as a tennis instructor at T Bar M Racquet Club in Frisco, Texas.
Rounding up the list is Alexandra (O’Neal) Trobaugh, who achieved the Class 4A singles state championship in 2005, ’06, and ’07, and played a pivotal role in Hayden’s second-place finishes in the Class 4A team standings during the last two years.
This weekend, these exceptional athletes will be celebrated and commemorated for their outstanding contributions to the world of tennis. Their induction into the Topeka Tennis Hall of Fame is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and unparalleled skills on the court.
Liam Keating covers high school sports for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send stats or information to him at [email protected].