On Saturday, May 31, 2025, Alleman Catholic High School's (Rock Island) Nicholas Patrick defeated Marmion Academy's Benedict Graft in the IHSA Class 1A Boys Tennis Singles State Championship match at Palatine High School. While any state championship is historic, this victory etched Patrick's name among the all-time greats in state history, as the state title was the fourth Singles crown in his high school career. Amazingly, he never lost a match during his high school career.
Patrick is just the third boys player in state history to accomplish the Singles four-peat, as he joined Hinsdale Township High School's (now Hinsdale Central) Marty Riessen (1957-1960) and Deerfield High School's Mike Morrison (1983-1986) in achieving the feat. Riessen went on to a decorated pro career, excelling in doubles, where he won titles at the French and US Opens, and also reached the finals at Wimbledon. Morrison also went on to play professionally, registering a Singles ranking on the ATP tour in the late 1980's.
Patrick will continue his tennis collegiate career at the University of Notre Dame.
Below is a look back at Patrick through the years, courtesy of the State Final coverage from Visual Image Photography:
