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Preparations are under way for the second annual Tournament of Champions, a men's, women's and mixed doubles event hosted by Suncoast Tennis Foundation, Dec. 12-14 at Largo's Shipwatch Tennis Club. The tourney is the brainchild of several dedicated players who have supported local charity events.
"A group of players approached me when I became president of the Suncoast Tennis Foundation a couple of years ago and suggested a tournament like this," STF president Judy Foster said.
"The idea was to provide a head-to-head competition to culminate the charity tournament season and bring the best-of-the-best together," she said. "And, it was a good way to get the STF out before a large group of tennis players to be more widely recognized so they could learn about us."
About six years ago, Ward Johansen, Ken Cherven, Tom Walbolt and Pat Siracuse spearheaded a bunch of players interested in developing the Tournament of Champions concept. Foster took it to the STF board of directors, who jumped on the idea. Last year, about 90 competitors participated in the first tourney, played in October at Clearwater's McMullen Tennis Center. Changing this year's date to December hopes to bring a better response.
"We realized December would better fit into the charity tournament schedule," Foster said. "This way, we can include the top five charities in the area."
The event includes inviting the main-draw champions and runners-up and consolation winners in all divisions from the charity tourneys for the American Cancer Society, Morton Plant Mease Hospital, Humane Society of Pinellas, Good Samaritan Classic and Big Brothers Big Sisters, as well as last year's STF Tournament of Champions.
The STF is a USA Tennis Florida community development organization that's committed to expanding amateur tennis through educational and charitable programs.
It is a not-for-profit volunteer group that assists grass-roots tennis programs. Proceeds from next month's tournament will be directed toward junior and adult programs.
"We are very excited to host this tournament and have a big core of volunteers ready to assist," Shipwatch director Drew Wager said. "We've never had a tournament of this nature at the club, so everyone here is really looking forward to it."
To determine the site for the Tournament of Champions, the STF asked for written proposals from interested clubs. Since the STF is a community association, Foster said, the intent is to move the event each year.
Among the STF board actively involved with Foster in preparing for the upcoming competition are co-chair Jacki Simon and director members Irene Tharin, Susan Winship, Robin Short and Mike Collins.
Shipwatch members - led by Kitty Winterhalter, Judith Persing, Sylvia Scoble and Mary Jane Evertz - have been involved in coordinating club volunteers.
Spectators are encouraged to attend, to not only watch the competition but play games for prizes. Fans may participate in a silent auction and for $10 attend the Dec. 10 draw party scheduled for 6:30-9 p.m. at Shipwatch. Eligible players should have received invitations to the tournament. Register by Dec. 8. For information, call 596-6862 or 725-3681.
FRENCHY'S RESULTS: More than 250 players competed in last weekend's 11th annual Frenchy's Gumbo Classic in Clearwater. The charity event was a benefit to Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Kim Cashman and Gail McMurtrey captured the women's 4.5 title, Susan Hobbs and Ann Worthington 4.0, Lisa Moyers and her sister, Gemma Bressoud, 3.5 and Julie Anderson and Angelica Gans 3.0.
In men's competition, Wager and Kevin Manning won the 5.0 crown, Steve Baccich and Michael Erbe 4.5, Kevin Hayslett and Mike Kunnen 4.0, Robert Chene and Louis Preston 3.5 and Mark Evans and Allen Sanchez 3.0.
Mixed doubles winners included Mariana Eberle and Dave Freiman, in 5.0; Lisa Woodbridge and Dave Gunn, 4.5; Linda Thompson and John McConnell, 4.0; Lisa Hueholt and Paul Doucette, 3.5; and Carolyn and Nick Pavonetti, 3.0.
NET SHOTS: Last weekend's East Lake Junior Local Tournament provided competition for nearly 120 players. Among the winners were Lindsay Dvorak, in the girls 16-and-under division; Morgan Basil (12), Julia Sikorski (10), Peter Czink (boys 18) and Brian Shim (14).
St. Petersburg's Jeff Winkler upset No. 1 Robert Myerson in the men's 45-and-over singles final in the November Invitational at Seminole Lake Tennis Center. Randy Meisner won the 45 consolation draw, as did Joel Samaha the men's open.
In this month's Junior Clay Court Challenge at Hunter's Green Country Club, No. 2 Garrett Betsarakis knocked off the top seed to win the boys 12, as did Robert Perry in the 10 class. Shaunte Southern took the girls 10 singles, and Chris Steeger won the boys 16 consolation.
Among the winners in the Pete Wolfberg 15th annual championships in St. Petersburg were No. 1 Alamgir Wali, in boys 18-and-under; Betsarakis (12) and Perry (10). Molly Smith reached the girls 12 final, as did Samaha in 16.
LOCAL LEAGUES: Florida is offering a Super 70 Doubles League in the men and women's divisions. Each team will include three doubles squads. Contact Carol Levin, 797-8416, about the women's league and David Wisotsky, 938-7902, about the men.
New this season is the Combo League for players 19-and-older. Teams include mixed skill levels and may consist of one singles position and two doubles. Contact Levin.
USA Tennis Florida District 12 is offering a senior mixed doubles league for players at least 50 January-March and an adult league April-June. The deadline to register a senior team is Dec. 10. Call coordinators Erika Boardman, 399-2459, Liz Proctor, 391-0811, or Bob Hagerman, 391-4380. ON THE TUBE: Non-stop coverage is available on The Tennis Channel for those serviced by Brighthouse digital cable service.
Everything from classic matches, ATP and WTA events, Davis Cup, Fed Cup, player interviews and frequent updates are offered around the clock.
Tennis Channel signed a 15-year agreement this summer with then Time Warner Cable. For information, go online to www.tennischannelpetition.com
COMING UP: Cheval Country Club hosts the Turkey Bowl for juniors this weekend. Call Francis Cooke, (813) 948-2282, for playing times. ... The Pre-Holiday Classic is Dec. 6-8 for junior singles players at Clearwater's McMullen Tennis Center. Call Tomas Ollestad, 669-1919, by the Wednesday deadline.