Jim Hord was looking for a job change, and Westin Innisbrook Resort needed a tennis director.
At the end of November, the two joined forces.
"Innisbrook has an outstanding reputation on the golf side, and I hope to bring the same image to tennis," Hord said.
"I would like to make Innisbrook a resort destination for tennis. We have a beautiful setting, and I think we can get on track to do this," he said.
Earlier this month, Hord took a major step toward creating an inviting image. Former tennis professional Zina Garrison, recently named captain of the women's U.S. Federation Cup team, spent about a week at Innisbrook and participated in several clinics for members and guests.
"The whole thing really sort of fell into my lap, and it was a terrific opportunity," Hord said. "Zina's agent called to see about her spending some time here and getting out of some bad weather in Virginia. We worked it out, so she came to three clinics that included about 120 people.
"To provide some special events like that, run some socials and tournaments for the members and guests and offer a solid developmental junior program are key goals for me here."
Before arriving at Innisbrook, Hord was the head teaching professional and director of junior tennis at Harbor Island Athletic Club in Tampa for four years.
"When we started our junior development program at Harbor Island, we had eight kids," he said. "After four years, we had 140 each month, with three players getting a national ranking and about 25 with a sectional ranking.
"Here at Innisbrook, we may not want the program that big, but we do want it to be a solid developmental junior program," Hord said.
Prior to the Harbor Island position, Hord spent 16 years as an assistant professional at Northdale Tennis Club in Tampa. He grew up in Oklahoma where football was the most popular sport. Hord, however, was a college basketball player and didn't learn tennis until he was coaching a junior basketball squad.
"One of the moms of a player on my team taught tennis, and she said I looked like I would be a good tennis player," Hord said. "After I watched Bjorn Borg and Jimmy Connors play on TV, I called her up and said I was ready to give it a try."
Hord was a natural, and in no time he was competing in local and state tournaments. He tried the satellite-level tourneys for about three seasons before deciding to teach others. Hord ended up living in Tampa when his father was transferred for work, and in 1984 Hord began teaching at Northdale. Former Innisbrook director Scott Coleman was one of his junior players.
Currently assisting Hord is Jennifer Faust and Dick Willets. Classes for juniors and adults are available by calling 942-5241.
CLUB CHAMPS: Innisbrook named its 2003 champions in singles, doubles and mixed divisions.
Cheryl Cravener won the 4.0 class, Malcolm Slive topped the 3.5 competition, and Robert Hammill took 4.0.
In women's doubles, Cravener teamed with Ria Graham to win the 4.0 division. Debra McGinley and Maureen Sternberg captured 3.5. Slive and Mike Lyman claimed the men's 3.5 title. In mixed competition, Irene and Ian Baxter won 3.0, Debra and Ed McGinley 3.5 and Susan Bucci and Reinhardt Lauterbach 4.0.
LEAGUE NEWS: Bardmoor Golf and Tennis Club qualified for the USA Tennis Florida state championship in the inaugural Super 70 Women's 3.5 Doubles League. The state competition is scheduled for April 16-18 at Florida Tennis Center in Daytona Beach.
In local league play, Bardmoor posted a 5-1 record over the Renaissance Vinoy. The Bardmoor members are captain Liz Dunlop, Nancee Slattery, Joann Huebner, Elizabeth Cerf, Kitty Robinson, Barbara Tuck, Ruth Eichler and June Bauer.
Nearly 50 men's and women's teams are participating in the Super 70 local league competition, and about 20 are expected to play at state in the 3.0, 3.5 or 4.0 divisions.
Five squads are competing in the Super 70 Men's 3.5 Doubles League. Matches continue through March. Phil Green Tennis Academy, with Joe Gari as captain, is in first place with a 4-0 record. Innisbrook is second at 2-1.
The PGTA-Gari team is first in the north division of the Senior Men's 3.5 Doubles League, closely followed by Innisbrook and St. Petersburg Tennis Center. Shipwatch Tennis Club is atop the five-team south division. Competition continues through March.
In other Senior Doubles League action, Countryside Country Club is first in the 3.0 division, the Racquet Club leads the 3.5 Central, McMullen Tennis Center is in front in the 4.0 North, Seminole Lake Tennis Center is atop the 4.0 South, and St. Pete Tennis Center heads 4.5. The Innisbrook women extended their lead in the 11-team 3.5 division with a 10-0 mark.
MIXED DOUBLES: The fifth annual Mixed Doubles Team Classic, a benefit for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Suncoast, was played last weekend at McMullen.
The winning squad was Somers and Company - captain Charles Sleeme, Ken Cherven, Ron Bedlack, Janet Eschonroder and Agnes Farkas. Finishing second was Lewis, Birch and Ricardo, which was comprised of Mary Turnes, Steve Edmonson, Debbie Ramenda, Jerry Silva, Wendy Wright Bob Ashley.
Costanza Homes won the consolation draw with Karen Killen and Rick Workman defending the A division, Ruby Johnson and Paul Doucette the B and Lisa Hueholt and Des Killen the C.
Innisbrook leads the 7.0 division in the District 12 Senior League. Bardmoor (8.0) and PGTA (9.0) are the other first-place teams.
NET SHOTS: Winners in the East Lake Woodlands Adult Winter NTRP included Karen Killen (4.0 singles), Leonardo Cruz (4.0), Marko Winkler (3.5) and August Tacea (3.0). In doubles, Lynne Lion and Lisa Moyers won the 4.0 division.
Champions in the Treasure Island Rookie Tournament were Gabby Houck (14-and-under singles), Alexandra Kitchen (8-year-old division) and David Yang (12). THIS WEEKEND: The 21st annual American Cancer Society Classic begins Friday at Clearwater's McMullen Tennis Center. Call 669-1919 for playing times.
