CHESTERFIELD, Mo. — When Darryl Rahn is playing on a tennis court, “outside life doesn’t exist,” he said.

Rahn, from Lincoln, Neb., has been playing wheelchair tennis for decades.

“It’s a stress release for the brain, as well as a good sport,” Rahn said. “It is good to get out and do something rather than sit at home on the couch.

Rahn is among the more than 30 other players competing in the St. Louis Indoor Wheelchair Tennis Championships this weekend at the Chesterfield Athletic Club.

Athletes came from 17 states to participate in the recently revived tournament in partnership with PUSH Wheelchair Tennis Academy and Good Vibes Academy, under the United States Tennis Association – Missouri Valley.

“Wheelchair tennis is about a community,” tournament director Mark Zolman said. “It’s about the people.”

The coed tournament features players of all skill levels and ages ranging 12 to 72. Zolman said the goal is for players to have fun with a desire to come back next year.

Kevin Green has been playing wheelchair tennis for 28 years and volunteers for PUSH Wheelchair Tennis Academy.

“We’re really working hard to get new players to come out and try (tennis) out because it’s so good physically (and) socially,” Green said.

When Zolman approached him about doing a tournament again after years on hiatus, Green said he thought it was a great idea.

“We just see ourselves as athletes and we want to win just like anybody else,” Green said.

Prizes will be awarded at the end of the championship tournament on Sunday.  

Anthony Meadows, from Tulsa, has been playing wheelchair tennis for 22 years.

“What I enjoy about it is the comradery that it builds, the physical activity that keeps you steadily going and the focus of mind that you have to have in order to play tennis,” he said.

Meadows has been participating in the championship since it returned a few years ago.

“My goal this weekend is to do the best that I can as a singles player,” he said. “I try to come out on top. If I don’t, I’m going to have a great time regardless.”

Meadows also will play doubles with Kevin Green this weekend with expectations to “come out on top,” as he’s seen Green’s progression in the sport.

“We work well as a team,” Meadows said.

Ballwin resident Casey Adams became involved in wheelchair tennis about eight years ago. Having played other sports, he said he wanted to try something new.

“Everything that you have going on in your life … all of that goes away when you step on the court,” Adams said, noting that tennis is only the sport where he has felt happiness and Zen while playing.  

From competing in tournaments, Adams has made new connections nationally and internationally.

“Wheelchair tennis community, compared to other wheelchair sports I’ve played, is a real, close-knit group,” he said. “I talk to a lot of people off court all of the time.”

“At night we’ll do dinner and drinks together sometimes just to get away from the court and just enjoy each other’s friendships,” Adams added.

In August, Adams plans to compete in the Junior Tennis Championships in Maryland.  

This is Adams’ first year playing in the A division.

“I’m learning a lot by playing with a lot of people who are better than me right now. For me, it’s just continuing to improve my game every time I step on the court,” he said.