Charles Whitesitt Wins Consolation Championship at State Tennis

Bulldog Charles Whitesitt was named the consolation champion at Flight No. 2 singles in the 2024 SD Class A Boys State Tennis Tournament held May 13-14 in Rapid City. Whitesitt defeated Vermillion’s Lucas Green in a 10-3 decision in the final.

As a team, Milbank placed ninth. Sioux Falls Christian eclipsed Rapid City Christian by only 12.5 points to win their second Class A team title. Aberdeen Roncalli was a distant third, and Huron took home fourth place.

Abbey Trapp, head coach for Milbank, said, “The boys played extremely well at the state tournament.  This was the first year we have won a lot of first round matches.  Singles players Joe Schulte, Greg Grabow, Will Muellenbach, Dan Shelstad, and Alex Baugh all made it to the  5/6 semi finals.  

The Dawgs doubles duos put in solid performances by winning two out of three of their first round matches. “They fell short in the 5/6 semi finals, but our doubles teams played very well together,” Trapp commented. She also noted that Milbank earned 140 points at State – just six points short of the MHS record.

Our team members “played their hearts out and fought for every point,” Trapp commented.” Thanks to assistant coach Steve Stemsrud for his help at the tournament and all the parents who made the trip out to Rapid City to attend the meet.”

Submitted Photos: Top- left to right, Alex Baugh, Gregory Grabow, Joe Schulte, Daniel Shelstad, Charles Whitesitt, Will Muellenbach and Landen Appl.
Middle- Will Muellenbach, Charles Whitesitt, Joe Schulte, Daniel Shelstad, Gregory Grabow, Alex Baugh and Landen Appl.
Bottom – Front Row- Will Muellenbach.
Second Row – Charles Whitesitt and Alex Baugh.
Third Row – Coach Trapp, Daniel Shelstad and Gregory Grabow.
Back Row – Landen Appl, Coach Stemsrud and Joe Schulte.