TheTennisNews.net - Around The Courts

VOTE FOR CLEARWATER

If you have email, you've most likely already received word about Clearwater's bid to be named America's "Best Tennis Town" through the USTA's contest. In its second year, the "Best Tennis Town" receives a trophy and - best of all - $100,000 to develop community-wide tennis programming or facility enhancements. Clearwater is among 10 towns chosen from 82 applicants, which is an honor in itself.
Log onto www.besttennistown.com to place your vote before Monday's deadline!

Read the official Press Release Here!

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INTERNATIONAL FLAIR

Area senior player Ria Graham has been selected to represent the United States on the Althea Gibson Cup Team in the 30th International Tennis Federation Super Senior Team Championships planned in October in Antalya, Turkey.
Ria was among 12 Florida players chosen for the ITF event that includes men's divisions in 60-80 age groups and women's 60-75. Ria is currently ranked No. 3 in the nation in the 70s.

Ria stroking the ball (left).

JUNIORS TO ZONAL COMPETITION

   Among the juniors chosen statewide to compete in the upcoming USTA Zone Team Championships later this month are Julia Gabay of Belleair in 12s division, Anisya Simpson of Clearwater 14s and Amy Lowther of Seminole 16s. Zone team events include boys and girls singles and doubles and mixed doubles.
   Selected to compete in the USTA 16s Intersectional Team Championships is Agatha Ambrozy of South Pasadena.
   St. Petersburg's Danielle Collins and Largo's Julia Jones were chosen to compete in the 18s National Team Championships slated to be held next month in California.

SUMMER TENNIS AT THE YMCA

A QuickStart module is being piloted in this summer's YMCA program at six sites and impacting approximately 500 kids, ages 5-12. The QuickStart module emphasizes learning tennis in a fun, friendly manner using appropriate-sized racquets, low pressure tennis balls and sized-down court dimensions. Treasure Island's Jeff Davis is summer program mentor.
The Suncoast Tennis Foundation is supporting this effort and is providing monies to buy one-year USTA junior memberships to 36 youths chosen by programmers based on their sportsmanship, teamwork, effort and improvement.

JUNIOR SUMMER CAMP SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY

The Suncoast Tennis Foundation (STF) has started a new program to provide opportunities for children with limited financial resources to participate in structured instructional tennis programs. The Foundation is awarding scholarships for deserving youth to attend summer tennis camps in Pinellas County. Through this program, STF is fulfilling its mission to “develop and expand amateur community tennis through educational and charitable programs.”
STF invites public tennis facilities to contact the Foundation if they have youth players in need of financial assistance. Each case will be considered on its own individual merit. Contact Judy Foster, Executive Director, judybfoster@mindspring.com for further information.

LEAGUE CAPTAIN OF THE MONTH

Our very own Wendall Walker has been named USTA Florida's July Captain of the Month! Since 2001, Wendall has participated on 39 USTA league teams and captained 21 of them.
Well-deserved recognition, Wendall!

ROB ON COURT

Teaching professional Rob Delgado has set up shop at Largo's Highland Recreational Center and is offering free clinics Aug. 14 and 21st as well as private lessons and clinics on Saturdays for youth ages 8-14 and at 9 a.m. and adults 15-and-older beginning at 10a.m.
The center will host a Block Party all day Aug. 28. Call 518-3016 for more details.
Rob has been a PTR certified teacher six years and a USPTA Recreational Coach the last three years. The former 5-year owner of Premier Tennis in St. Petersburg, Rob has been a certified racquet stringer for USRSA the past six years.

Rob Delgado

FEATHER SOUND-COUNTRYSIDE FACEOFF IN FRIENDLY COMPETITION

   Feather Sound Country Club played host last month to 18 FSCC men and 18 from Countryside Country Club men, who squared off in a team tennis competition. According to Feather Sound tennis director Rick Murray, the two clubs have a storied competitive tennis history and the men thought it would be a cool idea to have a friendly, competitive get together.
   Each club was divided into 3 even groups and total games won by each club in the 3 rounds of competition determined the winner. After the second round, Countryside led 70 - 68 but Feather Sound’s third round scores put them over the top 106 to 98 total games won!
   The free after-beer was enjoyed just as much as the spirited competition. Next years’ rematch will be hosted by Countryside.

SOCIAL AT BELLEAIR

Belleair Country Club's new social tennis director Cari Reagin hosted 28 players in the club's "Hot Summer Nights" last month. Friendly, competitive player was combined with a barbeque and watermelon margaritas. Margarita Nights continue through the summer months.