I watched players early on in the Nationals, picking up bits and pieces
from all over the country. In the years prior to the “foreign invasion” the
NAIA featured almost state vs. state contests with the warm weather states
having the advantage. California was ahead in talent, but Texas and Florida
came to play.
I loved watching the doubles matches. Southeastern Oklahoma’s coach,
Clarence Dyer, and his players were a great model. I’d watch Kim Kettleson
come in behind his serve and never miss that first volley, no matter how
hard or low the return was.
Up to this point our team members (save “Moon”) would just sort of
“wave” at those returns as they roared past for winners.
We went back to the practice rack on this shot. We made it a point of
pride to learn how to dig that return out of the hole.