It’s almost like Racer Burrow was born to play tennis.

“My mom’s cousins played for Altus,” the Altus High School junior said. “Shane Gregg was second at state and on the 1997 state championship team. Lee Gregg won state 2 years and played for OU. My brother, Byke, and cousin, Tristan Gregg, played as well. When I was in junior high, I spent a lot of time at the courts playing with them. My goal is to be as good as my cousins were and make Altus and my family proud.”

Burrow learned a valuable lesson at a young age from his family: “Don’t ever give up.”

“The more time you spend practicing and working hard, you will see results and it will be worth it,” Burrow said.

It’s an adage that continues to ring through Burrow’s head when he’s on the court, especially in an intense match.

“I don’t give up in a match until it is all over,” Burrow said.

The past two years, Burrow has made it to the second day of state. This year, he has had the opportunity to play both singles and doubles for the Bulldogs. His goal is to medal and place at state this spring.

“I’m excited to see where this year continues to lead me,” Burrow said. “My freshman year, I played one match the second day at state and played No. 2 doubles. Last year, I made it farther and played two matches the second day at state, and that was in No. 1 doubles. That’s a tougher division.”

He’s working on playing “smarter.”

“I want to be able to place the ball where my opponent can’t get to it or make them run more so they give up quicker,” Burrow said. “As well as improving my second serve. . . I would say one of my biggest things is I’m a smarter player and know when to hit what shot and not go for too much, and I’m a really strong player at the net and hitting volleys.”

Being a good teammate is just as important as anything, especially in a sport that can be so isolating.

“I would hope my teammates would say they see me as a leader and someone who is always there to encourage and cheer them on,” Burrow said.