TheTennisNews.net

"Court Cents……just my 2 bits worth"

by Nancy Morgan

GOT RACQUET? - TODD DOES

   What started as more of a joke than anything else has evolved into a hobby full of passion for Todd Nelson. Since he bought his first wooden racquet in 2005, Todd has collected more than 100, all in nearly mint condition - some never even used - and including some with racquet covers and others with racquet presses of varying designs.
   Todd has done more than just collect racquets, however, that merely sit in a corner to gather dust or are displayed on the walls never to be swung again - although his home is very well-represented with vintage racquets.
   Instead, he's put many of his racquets to good use by developing a fun evening of tennis that includes playing tennis with the vintage equipment, wearing era-appropriate tennis attire and enjoying camaraderie on the courts at Countryside Country Club. The end result is fun for all and donations raised to a worthy area charity addressing children's needs.

"Todd's done a great job of getting our members out playing every morning," said Dave Preston, tennis director at Countryside. "He approached me a few years ago about doing a Woodie Night, and it grows year after year. We're especially glad to host it here at Countryside. Todd's always looking for ways to improve the evening and it's gained more popularity each year."

Countryside tennis director Dave Preston with Todd during a recent Woodie Night

   Todd admits to possessing the shopping gene, so his quest for wooden racquets provides immense pleasure as well as providing the fruits of his labor. Among his special finds are the Wilson Jack Kramer Autograph, Davis Classic, Slazenger Black Demon, Volkl - yes, a wooden one - and a 1910 Beauty.
   "The workmanship in some of these racquets, like the Davis and some of the Slazenger racquets, is just remarkable," said Todd, 67. "Thrift stores have been the best source for me to find racquets, and occasionally, I'll find one at a garage sale. I seldom pay over $5, and can't recall ever paying over $10.
   "Spending the day with my cousin Tom in northern Indiana and going to second-hand stores got me 12 or so and I spent maybe about $20 for the lot - can't beat that."

Todd and a few of his racquets

Todd had played a variety of sports as a kid, but not until around 1996 did he consider tennis. Then, he and some friends would go to their complex's tennis court and "bat around balls" with a soft drink and cigarettes in hand. Eventually, and at the urging of neighbor friend Bill Isaly, Todd joined Countryside Country Club and left his drinks and smokes at home, and soon eliminated smoking totally. Beginning in 2004, Todd has been playing tennis 6-7 times a week in a group named the "Aces at 8" because they play at 8 a.m. before most head off to work, if not retired.
"I joined Tom Leavy's men's group and then when he had to quit due to a foot injury, I took it over since no one else offered," said Todd. "I developed the group more by inviting women, some better players and generating a culture that all are invited and any number that shows up is a perfect number to play.

"In 2005, I bought that one wooden racquet and that turned into what has become the "Woodie Night" traveling trophy. That led me to buying more racquets and all of a sudden I had about 40 so I thought why not have a "Woodie Night" and collect a few bucks for charity."
The first Woodie Night raised about $700 for5 PACE (P ) in Pinellas Park and last January's raised $2,300 for the Children's Heart Foundation in Clearwater. Blooming Place for Kids in Clearwater is a third charity Woodie Night supports.


Woodie Night group	Kathy Vanhornenbeck and some of Todd's racquets set up for Woodie Night

The next Woodie Night is planned Nov. 12 at Countryside CC and will again benefit PACE.
"This will be our fifth Woodie Night and I expect to have about 48 players and raise over $3,000," said Todd. "I've decided we'll rotate our charity among those three - they're all small, local and have some club members involved with them. Even though what we raise is fairly small in contrast to some other tennis events, these charities are small and our contribution is significant to them."

Teddy Buell, Todd and Cindy Keskiner set to play in Woodie Night

Mark your calendar now to join Todd at Countryside Nov. 12 for an evening of play and competition - he's got racquets!