Justin McAllister (L) and Trey Graft (R) signed with IU East as the duo was surrounded by family and coaches on April 12. Photo supplied.
WINCHESTER, Ind. – A pair of Winchester boys tennis players have decided to stay teammates and close to home.
Trey Graft and Justin McCallister signed letters of intent on Thursday morning to play at Indiana University-East.
“I love tennis, so this is an incredible opportunity for me,” Graft said. “I would have played anyway, but the fact that I get to go play a college sport with one of my best childhood friends makes it even better.”
McCallister agreed.
“I am very excited to play college tennis,” he said. “It has always been a dream of mine to be a college athlete, so it’s kind of like a dream come true. Trey is my best friend, so it means a lot to be able to continue our careers together.”
The Red Wolves, who are coached by Erskine Ratchford, compete in the River States Conference.
“IU East is a small school close to home that I’ve always thought about going to, so it is very cool for me to be able to play tennis there,” McCallister said attending the NAIA school in Richmond.
The son of Steven and Vanessa Graft, Trey intends to major in Secondary Social Studies Education.
Justin, who is the son of Elizabeth and Jeff Winningham and Ryan and Mary McAllister, is planning on studying Homeland Security.
Graft played in the top singles spot for the Golden Falcons last fall, while McCallister was in the No. 2 position.
“Both are coming off a 2017 winning season on the high school level,” Winchester Head Coach Dennis Streeter said. “They already have the strokes to hit with all their potential opponents.”
“Once they work with college caliber players and gain the consistancy they need, I believe they will be ready to compete,” Streeter continued. “They both love tennis and will put in the time to become the college players they want to be.”