Tennis Pro
Resident tennis pro, Pat Ritchie, came to Hillcrest in 1978 and had been playing tennis since he was a child. His father, who played tennis for OSU, taught Ritchie and his nine siblings the game. Later, as a student at Tulsa University, Ritchie won three state titles and ranked number one in the country in men's singles. His intentions to play professionally were disrupted when he tore his Achilles tendon.
Ritchie first came to Hillcrest as an assistant tennis coach. Before long, it was suggested that he apply for the position of head tennis coach, as the most recent instructor had retired. As the resident tennis pro, Ritchie is responsible for every aspect of the tennis program. He sets up all tennis leagues, clinics and socials, maintains both the indoor and outdoor tennis facilities and manages all tennis employees. Plus, he and wife manage the tennis shop together.
To this day, Ritchie is the only professional tennis coach available in the Bartlesville area. Several of his students have participated in local and national competitions, including his own children. Ritchie's son, JP, was named Oklahoma's "Player of the Year" in 2004 and has ranked number one with the Missouri Valley juniors. Kaitlyn, Ritchie's daughter, has ranked number one with the Missouri Valley Girls for the sixteen and under division and has placed nationally for her age division.
