By Bill Hester, Special to the Post-Dispatch The No. 1-ranked junior boys tennis player in the nation wanted to play high school tennis in Missouri this spring. But John Burroughs junior Shaan Patel was denied his wishes by the Missouri State High School Activities Association. MSHSAA officials would not comment on the reason why Patel can't play for the Bombers, citing the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). "I am unable to make comment or provide information regarding decisions as it relates to matters for a specific student," MSHSAA associate executive director James Melton said in an email. As evidenced by his national ranking, Patel has enjoyed success in United States Tennis Association events, including the title of the USTA Winter Championships in Orlando from Dec. 28-Jan. 3. Patel was only 16 years old at the time. St. Louis sports radio show accused of spreading false rumor about Ole Miss student Procter & Gamble ends sponsorship for St. Charles County Pride festival Anti-Musk protests gather across St. Louis region. 'I've got family members threatened.' MoDOT to dismantle Chesterfield curb islands. 'We heard the community's feedback.' Mercy hospital left mom pushing for 12 hours. It caused baby's brain damage, jury finds St. Louis-area business openings and closings in March Clayton elementary school teachers pull April Fools' Day prank on students Grandmother grieving St. Peters boy is 'livid' he was on a motorcycle Missouri's Josh Hawley splits with GOP to support cap on bank fees McClellan: The legacy of a woman and her 22 babies 5 traits from the Cardinals' opening sweep to watch. 'Every at-bat is a damn dogfight.' As Trump supporters claim election fraud, St. Charles County moves to keep 2020 ballots Sparse crowd sees Cardinals misplace lead in 7th, tumble in 10th for first loss, to Angels Busch Stadium food: Our critic takes you on a tour of what's new (and what's good) Missouri 'Chimp Crazy' woman admits she lied to feds, claiming her ape was dead That national title gave Patel wild card spots in a pair of International Tennis Federation (ITF) tournaments in March in Las Vegas and Indian Wells, Calif. Patel earned his first ITF points with a win in singles and doubles at Indian Wells. Patel also played in the prestigious Easter Bowl tournament from March 22-30 in Indian Wells. He was the No. 1 seed in the Under-18 singles division and reached the quarterfinals. "(MSHSAA has) a two tournament rule and the Vegas tournament finished the day the high school season began," said Patel, who won the state high school state tournament in singles as a freshman but did not play last year. "It's super discouraging to high-level players who want to play high school tennis." Most tennis players with high national rankings forego high school tennis. But after much thinking, Patel decided to play this spring and was on the roster as the captain and began practice with the team. "I wanted to play with my brother (Avi, a freshman) and for the school," Patel said "I have a lot of friends on the team and the coach is great, as is the atmosphere." Shaan's plan was to play doubles with Avi in the postseason. "I am better at singles, but I wanted to try to get a doubles title with Avi," Patel said. Bombers coach Anne Sutter is perplexed by MSHSAA's decision. "It's been quite a journey for us," Sutter said. "Shaan couldn't pass up the opportunities to play in the ITF tournaments, and he was the No. 1 seed at the Easter Bowl. The sad thing is that there are different rules for different sports. We asked for an exemption and talked over and over and over again. Everybody is sad with the way at worked out." 0 Comments