Jasper High School’s Luke Oliver, who finished as the 6A finalist at #3 singles and #2 doubles, signed to play tennis at Bevill State Community College this Tuesday. 

A two-time Section winner at #3 singles and Section winner at #2 doubles, Oliver will play for BSCC head tennis coach Eli Matthews. 

“Luke is one of the most competitive young people that I've ever been around,” said JHS Athletic Director Jonathan Jordan. “His competitive nature has led him to success as a three-sport athlete and also in the classroom during his time at Jasper. We are happy to see him continue his academic and athletic pursuits at Bevill State. Coach Matthews is adding a really good tennis player to the Bevill Tennis Team, but they are getting a fantastic person who will bring a hardnosed mentality to the program.” 

Over the last few years, Oliver has labored under the tutelage of another Matthews, Eli’s older brother, Christian, who serves as the Vikings’ head tennis coach. The elder coach Matthews tells the story of Luke’s uncommon entry into the world of high school tennis. 

“Luke just came up to me in the hall one day and asked if he could play tennis,” said Matthews. “I came close to telling him ‘no’, but thought I'd give him a shot even though he had never played. Three and a half years later, he is one of the best players on our team and has a scholarship to play at the next level. He had never picked up a racket in 9th grade. You can't make that amount of improvement in that short of time without working your tail off. I'm happy for him and am looking forward to him continuing to grow as a person and player.” 78 

Photos by Ryan McGill