Published: May 07, 2008 12:54 am            

Ogle’s talents reach beyond tennis court

Derek’s Ogle’s legacy at Enid High School won’t necessarily be that he qualified for the state tennis tournament in three different divisions — No. 2 singles, sophomore year; No. 2 doubles, junior year, and No. 1 doubles, senior year.

Ogle, who will be playing No. 1 doubles with Matt Worrell at his final state Class 5A tournament at the Oklahoma City Tennis Center Friday and Saturday, is an athlete better known off the court.

He has won a state DECA contest, has volunteered with Special Olympics and has worked with his father, Dr. Michael Ogle, in Africa.

“I’ve been blessed,’’ said Ogle. “I like to give back as much as I can.’’

He helped drill water wells and put in solar pumps in Niger. His father had been to Africa with a medical team a few years before. Dr. Ogle asked his son if he could help out.

“That was a real eye-opener,’’ Ogle said. “It was a great experience. ... I would love to go back.’’

Ogle started volunteering in Special Olympics through EHS swim coach Susan Glasgow, the mother of teammate Devin Glasgow.

“That’s a tough subject,’’ said Ogle about the emotions of helping at Special Olympics. “It was very fulfilling.’’

He teamed with fellow EHS student Brittany Wichert to win a state DECA contest in merchandising and buying.

The two had to come up with a plan to market 10 new items in a downtown store.

“That was amazing,’’ he said. “It was a great experience to go to Orlando for the national contest. Tennis has helped me in teamwork.’’

He has worked at Pastimes Restaurant, Oakwood Country Club and Vance Air Force Base as part of his DECA classes.

“I want to be an entrepreneur when I grow up,’’ Ogle said. “That’s a good class to learn how to do it.’’

Ogle went to Washington, D.C., in the spring of his junior year for a DECA project.

“He always has a lot of irons in the fire,’’ said Enid coach Darrell Herndon, “but he always comes back to play.

“I’ve appreciated his loyalty over the years.’’

His other projects have helped put tennis in perspective.

“It’s fun,’’ he said. “Whenever I get on the court, I do what I can to win.

“I’m not heartbroken if I do lose because I knew I put my best effort into it.’’

Ogle and Tim Thomas were sixth at No. 2 doubles at last year’s state tournament.

Ogle and Worrell, a team put together late in the season, will take a 6-3 record into state.

Ogle and old partner Khoung Nguyen were 21-17.

“I was a little worried at the first of the year that I wasn’t going to make it to state,’’ Ogle said. “But we have been playing really good lately.

“Matt has been a good player. I have to talk him through it sometimes to slow him down, but he’s a good tennis player.’’

“He has a good attitude,’’ Herndon said. “He always has a smile on his face.’’

Ogle regards the state tournament as a reward for his hard work.

“It’s just a lot of fun,’’ he said. “We get to stay at a nice hotel and eat at good restaurants. I just hope we can win every match.’’

His four-year career, he said, has gone by too fast.

“I’m going to miss it,’’ he said. “I’ve been doing this my whole life.’’