Heffron completes standout high school career

Randall Heffron's favorite tennis player is Roger Federer.

The Bishop England standout tries to emulate the Swiss great because, "I just like the way Federer puts tennis on his shoulders."

Heffron has been the focal point of the Bishops' boys tennis program for the last four years, and now he's reached the pinnacle of local high school tennis by being selected as The Post and Courier's Lowcountry player of the year.

He recently completed his 75-8 individual success story for the Bishops the same way he ended his three previous seasons -- in a state playoff loss to perennial Class AA/A state champion Waccamaw. Heffron is now headed for Wofford on a tennis scholarship, leaving the Bishops' fortunes in the hands of younger brother Walker Heffron.

Walker Heffron, a junior, joins his brother on this year's All-Lowcountry team, along with Palmetto Christian sophomore Addison King, and the Porter-Gaud trio of senior Elliott Sperr, freshman Thomas Spratt and sophomore Hunter Mitchell.

Coach of the year is veteran Palmetto Christian coach Dewey Caulder, who directed the Eagles to their fifth straight SCISA Class A state boys title. Caulder also has coached the Palmetto Christian girls to five straight state titles.

"I'm excited to get up there (to Wofford). I've got to train and get ready for it," Randall Heffron said. "Coach (Wofford's Rod) Ray is a nice guy. He jokes around with you. He works you hard, but at the same time looks out for you. Wofford was just a better fit (than Furman) and the place I felt I could contribute the most on the team.

"In this day and time when a lot of players are leaving high school to opt for computer school or home schooling so they can put more hours on the court, I chose the more conventional route of staying in high school. I enjoyed my relationship with my teachers at Bishop England, and I credit them with helping me earn acceptance into Wofford College. My friends and teammates are really important to me, and I would have missed all of that."

A four-time All-Lowcountry selection and two-time all-state player, Heffron started tennis when he was 3 or 4 years old and has tried to be the player and person his late father, former Citadel star Randy Heffron, would have wanted him to be.

"Tennis has given me a lot of people, a lot of connections," Randall Heffron said. "It is something I can do later in life. It got me into a pretty respected school (Wofford). Right now, (tennis) is a big part of my life."

Heffron already has tried out the USTA's adult league tennis program, playing one doubles match this spring for a 4.0 Mount Pleasant Recreation Department team. Once he signed a grant-in-aid with Wofford in April, he said he was unable to play league tennis.

Losing to Waccamaw each year was a major disappointment for Heffron, but he gained a measure of revenge in the High School League's recent state singles tournament by defeating top-seeded Waccamaw ace Josh Richmond for third place in Class AA/A.

Reach James Beck at jamesbecktennis@gmail.com.

ALL-LOWCOUNTRY BOYS TENNIS

FIRST TEAM

Randall Heffron, Sr., Bishop England

Walker Heffron, Jr., Bishop England

Addison King, So., Palmetto Christian Academy

Thomas Spratt, Fr., Porter-Gaud

Elliott Sperr, Sr., Porter-Gaud

Hunter Mitchell, So., Porter-Gaud

COACH OF THE YEAR: Dewey Caulder, Palmetto Christian Academy

SECOND TEAM

Adam Elliget, seventh grade, Pinewood Prep; Joel Roberts, fresh., Pinewood Prep; Austin Heinz, eighth grade, Palmetto Christian Academy; Zac Dye, fresh., Berkeley; Stephen Weaver, soph., Bishop England; J.B. Robards, jr., Porter-Gaud; Johnny Steichen, jr., Porter-Gaud.

HONORABLE MENTION: Charlie Baker, Porter-Gaud; Marshall Sanford, Porter-Gaud; Seth Pinowski, Porter-Gaud; J.T. Elliget, Pinewood Prep; Jacob Cumbie, Pinewood Prep; Davis Craig, Pinewood Prep; William Wert, Pinewood Prep; Rivers Colyer, Bishop England; Joseph Kennedy, Bishop England; Max Wolfman, Bishop England; Steven Griffin, Bishop England; Nick Butler, Palmetto Christian; Billy Perkins, Palmetto Christian; Robert McManus, Wando; Thomas Kuisel, Wando; Drew Dangerfield, Wando; Steven Roys, Stratford; Jacob Luther, Stratford; Bradley Harrison, Berkeley; Brian Gottshalk, James Island; Bailey Kirkland, Academic Magnet; Abhay Baliga, Academic Magnet; Ryan Spell, Academic Magnet; Mason Taylor, Summerville; Adam Seith, Summerville; Bryan Blitch, Summerville; Mitch McGaughy, Summerville; Junior Duarte, West Ashley; Cameron Williams, West Ashley; Joey Shelver, Hanahan; Tyler Essinger, Cane Bay; Ryan Sprowles, Ashley Ridge; Kendrae Hiers, Colleton County; Conner Clayton, Fort Dorchester.

Reach James Beck at jamesbecktennis@gmail.com.