Marathon day of tennis ends with runner-up finish for Shores’ Drew Hackney at Division 2 state finals

The dream of winning a state championship does not come without heartache.

 

Mona Shores tennis star Drew Hackney turned in a state runner-up finish on Saturday at the Division 2 state finals, falling to Midland Dow’s Austin King in the championship match, 6-2, 6-3. 

 

The weather did not cooperate and forced the majority of the event indoors at GR Racquet and Fitness. The chaos didn’t stop Hackney, despite having to play three matches on Saturday. 

 

The senior, seeded No. 2, had a bye in round one and then topped Walled Lake Central’s Han Chau, 6-1, 6-1 in the second round on Friday. 

 

On Saturday, Hackney defeated Portage Central’s Sam Schumaker 7-6, 6-1. The semifinals turned into a near marathon for Hackney as he topped GR Forest Hills Northern’s Karan Doel, 7-6, 7-6. 

 

In all, on Day 2, Hackney played more than six hours of tennis. 

 

“It’s tough, I’ve done it before, but I think the physicality of my first two matches and a 5:45 a.m. start is a really tough challenge,” said Hackney of his grueling day on the court. “It was unfortunate we couldn’t be outside, but it was cool to play at my home club here and to have my family so close.” 

 

Hackney (105-11) completed his senior season as a four-time Greater Muskegon Athletic Association champion and with a Division 2 regional title.