The 10th anniversary of the Humane Society Charity tennis tournament promises to provide activities for players and spectators.
Held at Royal Racquet Club in Clearwater since its inception in 1993, the men's, women's and mixed doubles tournament is Sept. 10-14.
"Since it is our 10th year, we've added some special events and have continued with our proven popular ones," tournament chair Judy Foster said. "Whether you're playing in the tournament or choose to be a spectator, there's something everyone will enjoy."
For the first time, there will be a mixed doubles exhibition match. WTSP-Ch. 10 news anchor Reginald Roundtree will team with local junior standout Amanda Yogus to face the network's chief meteorologist, Dick Fletcher, and Russia's Anna Nefedova.
"I thought capitalizing on our 10th year and Ch. 10 would be a good mix," Foster said.
"It should be a good rivalry and fun to watch."
The exhibition is at 10 a.m. Sept. 13.
In celebration of the 10-year anniversary, Tampa Bay artist Sally Evans has created an original work of art, I Only Have Eyes for You, that will be auctioned. Glossy posters also will be available to purchase.
"The silent auction is going to be fantastic," Foster said. "Along with Sally Evans' artwork will be quality tennis racquets, collectible figurines, a diamond tennis bracelet, dining certificates and so much more. We have more than 50 items to auction."
The auction will close at 2 p.m. Sept. 14.
The event is a labor of love for Foster, who has chaired it each year. The competition is held in memory of her daughter, Shannon Morton, a Humane Society volunteer and animal advocate.
"Shannon came to us when she was 13 years old and wanted to volunteer," said Rick Chaboudy, the 17-year executive director of the Humane Society. "She did things that we didn't allow most volunteers her age to do, but she was so skilled and cared for the animals so passionately.
"It is very appropriate this tournament is named in her honor. This is just the type of event Shannon would want."
Foster has a team of volunteers who have worked with her. Among them are: Linda Cope, Mary Jo Renner, Karen Matthews, Kiki Jacobsen, Bea Casanova, Shirley Palmer, Mary Miller, Sarah Neiner, Charles Sleeme, Meredith Chiarelli and Foster's husband, Nic. Donna Coddington is the tournament director.
There will be raffles throughout the weekend with more than 35 items, Foster said, and door prizes for the players only. To participate in the search for door prizes, registered players should bring an old tennis ball marked with their name.
The balls will be placed on a tennis court, and the animals retrieve the balls to determine a winner.
The weekend starts with a warmup party for players and guests beginning at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 10 at Royal Racquet Club.
Sept. 12 is a Junior Fun Night, for those 4-18, at the club from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Some matches might begin at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 11, depending on the size of the draw. However, most play will be Saturday and Sunday.
Divisions include 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5 and open in men's, women's and mixed doubles.
Proceeds will benefit the Humane Society.
The deadline to enter the tournament is 2 p.m. Sunday. Call the club at 791-8415 to enter.
The entry fee is $40 for one player and $65 for two.
K-SWISS: The K-Swiss league wrapped up its summer season with the playoffs last month at Royal Racquet Club in Clearwater.
David Arrison and Rob Edwards won regional titles in a Tampa Bay-Southwest playoff.
It was the first K-Swiss league for Catherine Cobb in the 3.5-minus and Fernando Gonzalez in the 4.5-minus. Cobb won in three sets and Gonzalez in two.
Claudia Meza, a former No. 2 player for Stetson, was taken to three sets in a semifinal and went on to win the final in two. Cheryl Briske won a three-setter in the 4.5-minus final.
In the 4.5 Tampa Bay division, Cindy Nunn won in straight sets but lost in the regional championship in a tight three-set match that concluded in a tiebreaker.
Other local winners included: Laura Hungiville (4.0-minus), Kevin Hayslett (4.5-minus), Bill Christenson (5.5) and Mark Palus (6.0).
Tampa Bay runners-up included: Nancy Morgan (4.5), Melissa Compton (4.0), Teena Marks (4.0-minus), Angie Reagan (3.5), Roy Miller (3.5-minus), Gregg Golding (3.5), Steve Alford (5.0) and Dana Dunham (5.5).
The K-Swiss fall season begins Sept. 20 and continues through mid November Playoffs are scheduled to begin Nov. 19 with semifinals and finals Dec. 13-14.
For details, call 865-0615.
NET SHOTS: Marilyn Symanski won the 3.5 singles title in the Summer NTRP Tournament in Orlando last month. The top seed defeated Winter Springs' Kathy Ash 6-2, 7-6 (9-7) in the final.
Courtney Rogers was runner-up in the 4.0 main draw and finished second in the consolation draw.
Jeff Chambers defended his No. 1 seeding in the Hunter's Green Adult Challenge with a 6-2, 6-1 win over No. 2 Bill Macom in the 35-and-over singles. No. 1 Jeff Davis beat No. 2 Andres Molina in the 45 division by the same score.
Top seed Nicholas Berning won three matches to reach the boys 16-and-under final in the Tampa Palms Junior Summertime Classic. Berning won the final in straight sets. Robert Perry won the boys 10 in two sets. Oldsmar's Alex Fisch upset the boys 12 top seed in three sets.
Singles runners-up included: Jeremy Fisch in boys 10, Rebecca Bodine in girls 14 and Shauntie Southern in the girls 10 round robin.
Consolation winners included Nicholas Fisch in boys 10 and Nick Gallauer in the boys 16.
COMING UP: The TPA Winter Classic 2003, a junior singles event, begins Saturday at the Racquet Club of St. Petersburg. Call 527-6553. ... The River Hills Fall Kick-Off Classic is Sept. 13-15. To enter the tournament for adult age-division singles and doubles, call (813) 653-3776 before Sept. 10. ... The SPTC Adult Classic Championships are Sept. 19-22 at the St. Petersburg Tennis Center. Call Al Sarmiento at 360-2643.
