Members of the Zephyrhills Tennis Association treated area juniors to a free week of instruction earlier this month.
Players ages 6-18 were put through the paces by coordinator and ZTA president Peter Burgoyne and his troop of volunteers.
"I've helped in the weeklong event in the past, but this was my first time to coordinate it," Burgoyne said. "It was a lot of work, but we had a good group of volunteers to help with the kids.
"We had 35 to 40 kids during the week, some had come in summers past and for others this was their first time."
Burgoyne was assisted by Dick Moffatt, Ruth Marzolf, Ed Holtzhouse, Joe Higgins, Vu-Anh Thai and Maria Orozco. Also lending a hand were Yuko Hasegawa, Jean Stallcup, Dot Worrell, Betty Rendleman, Linda Higgins, Jim Nichols, Sal DiMartino and Corky Friery.
Joe McGovern was not an instructor at the clinic, but the ZTA groundskeeper prepared the five courts at Zephyr Park every day.
"I got there about 6 a.m. each morning and cleaned off the courts, set up the chairs, put up the USA Tennis banners and the ball carriers," McGovern said. "I watched them some, and when they were all done I put everything away.
"All the kids seemed quite attentive and able to hit some before they came to the clinic. It was a very organized week for them."
Marzolf, a former teacher, hopes the kids will keep playing and practicing during the school year.
"I think we lose some players after elementary school, and I would like to see us get tennis in the middle school," Marzolf said. "That way, when they get to high school they'll be ready."
Thai is one of those who kept playing and progressed to the high school level at Land O'Lakes.
"I started playing tennis when I was 7, and ever since I can remember the association I've played in and worked with it," Thai said. "The kids at the camp were very enthusiastic and eager to play. I know when I started tennis I learned to play and teach at the same time. Maybe that's what they'll do too."
Jeff Davis, community coordinator for USA Tennis Florida, was impressed with the volunteer efforts of the club members and the eagerness of the players.
"As I looked around, all the volunteers were there for the right reasons, and that was to give something to the kids and create an opportunity for them to try tennis," Davis said. "It could be the beginning of something much bigger. I would like to work with this group on getting more going on. We can enhance what they have, and at the same time build on it."
Burgoyne and his corps of volunteers seem interested in pursuing the idea of promoting tennis in the middle school.
To learn more, contact Burgoyne at (352) 518-9380.
NET SHOTS: Bardmoor I edged Bardmoor II for the women's Thursday Doubles League championship. Both teams scored 27 points for winning 27 sets, and Bardmoor I won on games in a tiebreaker.
The Weston Innisbrook Resort finished third, followed by Shipwatch Tennis Club, McMullen, the Vinoy and Seminole.
A pilot USA Adult League for women is scheduled to run Aug. 23 to Oct. 25. Divisions include 3.0 to 4.5. Contact women's coordinator Carol Levin at (727) 797-8416 for details.
Despite an injured ankle, Stacia Foneca defended her top seeding in the girls 18-and-under division of the Summer Classic Too at the Phil Green Tennis Academy in Safety Harbor last weekend. Fonseca won 6-1, 6-1.
Jodi Kleiner won the girls 14 and Paul Polarczyk the boys 14. Christin Bensinger finished first in the girls 14 consolation draw.
Gewan Maharaj defended his men's 50-and-over top seed in the Adult Summer Bash at the Temple Terrace Tennis Center. Maharaj teamed with William Cantrell to win the 50 doubles.
Tampa's Carolyn Franca upset No. 1 seed Elizabeth Leigh to win the women's 40 title. Leigh then played with St. Petersburg's Jackie Keller to win the 40 doubles round-robin crown.
COMING UP: The Tampa Bay Junior Championships start Saturday at Tampa Tennis Complex. Boys and girls singles competition with consolation draws are available. Call (813) 348-1173. ... The Adult Summer Classic is Aug. 9-10 at Royal Racquet Club. Singles and doubles in men's and women's 35, 45, 55 and open divisions. Call (727) 791-8415. ... Registration for Pasco tennis leagues runs through Aug. 29. Men's and women's singles and mixed doubles will be offered. Call (727) 934-4198 to register.
