McMullen captures berth in national tourney

After a second-place finish in the USA Tennis Florida Sectional Championships last year, a state title was on the minds of the McMullen senior men's 4.0 players.

Doug Godinho, captain of last season's team, handed the leadership over to his doubles partner, Wendall Walker. The task of combining players for a strong over-50 squad was paramount to Walker. "From the beginning, actually right after we lost at sectionals last year, I started thinking about putting together a strong team for this year," Walker said. "I began talking to players and getting together for practices."

Walker had two requirements he thought were critical for success: players needed to be in the upper portion of the 4.0 level and solid individuals off and on the court.

Walker then went to work, coming up with 12 members.

Some had been to nationals two years ago -- Eric Watson, Jim McCook, Scott Chambers, Les Gustin and Franz Henikl. Others, such as Walker and Godinho, had been as far as state.

Rounding out the squad are Peter Viggiano, Vic Vicander, Dino Shuniak, Tom Spencer and Dave Heeder.

Although members ranged from Palm Harbor to Seminole and played out of Clearwater at McMullen Tennis Complex, their common goal was to win the local league, be prepared for the sectional championships and advance to the national tournament.

After taking the local competition 7-0 and defeating three playoff opponents, Walker's players readied themselves for the sectional in Naples earlier this month.

Victories over Palm City, Delray Beach, Tallahassee and Punta Gorda advanced McMullen to a semifinal with Tampa.

A 2-1 win on the play of Chambers and Heeder in the No. 1 position and Walker and Godinho at No. 2 placed the club in the final with Bradenton.

"Our matches were reduced to eight-game prosets after a full day of rain Sunday," Walker said, "but we were able to adapt and beat Bradenton 2-1."

Walker and Godinho (No. 2) and Eric Watson and Franz Henikl (No. 3) posted victories.

"We were actually tied in games when totalling the pro-set scores, but we beat them two positions to one," Walker said.

The captain was most proud that all nine players who competed in the sectional (Shuniak, Spencer and Vicander were injured) won a pivotal match.

"Our goal all along was to win, and I felt we had a high probability to do so," Walker said. "Now we'll keep ourselves ready and healthy for nationals."

The tourney is scheduled for Oct. 17-20 in Tucson, Ariz. A champion from each of the 17 USTA sections will battle for the championship.

SUPER SENIORS: Beginning Friday, USA Tennis Florida Sectional Championships for players at least 60 will be at Countryside Country Club and East Lake Woodlands.

Representing the local league are teams from Treasure Island Tennis and Yacht Club (women's 4.0), Westin Innisbrook Resort (women's 3.5), Spring Hill (women's 3.0) and Phil Green Tennis Academy (men's 3.5).

In all, 25 women's squads and 22 men's teams will compete for titles. Playing divisions include men's and women's 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0.

PLAYING FOR CHARITY: Among the winners in the 12th annual Morton Plant Mease Memorial Day Tournament at East Lake Woodlands last weekend were Mark Evans and Allen Sanchez, both from St. Petersburg, in men's 3.0 doubles.

Evans teamed with Pam Dubov to reach the 3.0 mixed doubles final.

Rachael Sanchez and Jane Robinson outlasted teenagers Morgan Frank and Evangelina Soriano to capture the women's open doubles crown, 4-6, 6-0, 7-5.

Turtle Burton and Patti Prestera were finalists in the 4.0 women's doubles, dropping a 7-6 (3), 7-6 (5) decision to Donna Roberts and Linda Thomson.

MEMORIES IN CLEARWATER: Alex Fisch won the boys 10-and-under singles title in the state-sanctioned event.

Finalists included Kara Kucin (girls 10), Patrick Gleason (boys 18) and Anthony Barrancotta (boys 10).

Scoring victories in the consolation draw were Yuri Kurashima (girls 18), Ariana Zayac (girls 10), Haley Dodson (boys 18), Kyle Woodbury (boys 14), Keegan Smith (boys 12) and Zev Mandelker (boys 10).

THIS WEEKEND: Local USA League Tennis playoffs begin Saturday in the men's 3.5, 4.0 and 4.5 divisions.

The matches will determine area teams for regional playoffs.

The McMullen 3.0 squad, led by captain Dan Grimmer, has won its level among five teams to qualify for the July regional tournament.

Phil Green Tennis Academy 5.0 was the only club in its class and will advance to the regional. In women's local competition, Saturday concludes the regular season for teams in the 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 divisions. Playoffs start June 8.

McMullen's 4.5 squad has been declared the winner and will move on to regional play.

Regional winners qualify for the state tourney and receive a shot at a national championships berth.

COMING UP: Westin Innisbrook Resort will play host to the second annual Summer Classic. The tournament for adults is June 21-23.

For information or to register, call Ripley Amell, (727) 942-5241. The entry deadline is June 18. A Suncoast Singles League for women at 3.5-and-below is forming for the summer.

For information call 585-9221. The Largo Tennis Center is offering a Rallyball League for players 6-12.

Play starts Saturday and continues through Aug. 3. For information, call Linda Kettell, 403-8588.

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