By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Retired Washburn Rural coaching legend Kevin Hedberg was back in familiar territory at Kossover Tennis Center on Friday for his induction into the Kansas Tennis Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
Retired Washburn Rural coaching legend Kevin Hedberg receives his Kansas Tennis Coaches Hall of Fame plaque from longtime Topeka High coach Duane Pomeroy, a former high school teammate. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Washburn Rural coaching legend Kevin Hedberg speaks to those in attendance at Kossover Tennis Center Friday after being inducted into the Kansas Tennis Coaches Hall of Fame. [Photo by
Hedberg, who retired at the conclustion of the 2021-2022 school year after a 43-year teaching and coaching career, was inducted prior to the start of the Class 6A state tournament.
After coaching at Seaman for 11 years, Hedberg moved to Washburn Rural for 32 seasons, where he led the Junior Blues to a Class 6A girls state title in 1993 and boys state championships in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2007.
Hedberg coached singles and doubles champions in both boys and girls tennis while coaching 24 teams (boys and girls combined) to top-three state team finishes.
Hedberg was a charter inductee into the Topeka Tennis Association Hall of Fame.
Hedberg was introduced Friday by his former Washburn Rural assistant Kyle Fowler and received his plaque from longtime Topeka High coach Duane Pomeroy, a former high school teammate of Hedberg.
"It was never about him,'' Fowler said in his introduction of Hedberg. "It was all about the kids that he coached.''
Hedberg's plaque included the inscription: "Your accomplishments, dedication, and contribution to high school tennis have brought a unique distinction to your school, community, and to the great sport of tennis. As an inspiration to many tennis players, you have demonstrated outstanding character and sportsmanship in a dignified and enduring manner. You have shown your players that goals can be attained through sacrifice, perseverance, and strength of character.''
Hedberg said that he missed his daily interaction with players and students, but said that after turning 70 his energy level told him it was time to retire.
"Last year I would get to practice and I'd be exhausted,'' Hedberg said. "I'd get to fourth and fifth hour of the classroom and I was exhausted. I had great kids and they kept me going but when you're coaching a team and you're sitting on a bench more than you're standing up, it's time to quit.
"But I do miss the contact.''
