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Courts just perfect for good fellowship

By NANCY MORGAN
Published June 29, 2005

Steve Brown says he never has enough time for tennis, but plays as often as he can.

Pastor of two churches - one in Sarasota and another in Safety Harbor - and a full-time grief counselor for hospice, Brown looks to tennis as a way of dealing with death and dying.

"I was born in Indiana, but my family came to Sarasota County when I was just 1," said Brown, 54. "I grew up through high school in Venice and learned to play tennis there. I played on the team my senior year.

"Venice had public courts in its downtown area and I would hit for hours and hours against the wall. It was great practice."

Before that time, Brown played baseball and basketball and was scouted by the Cincinnati Reds. His life took a different turn, Brown said, when he became involved in studying literature, particularly the subject of religion.

Brown attended a small college in east Texas for further study and played on the tennis team.

"I really had no training and developed a rather unorthodox style," Brown said. "I'm a lefty, which I think helps against other players, and I've always enjoyed the exercise from tennis, along with the camaraderie. Tennis is perfect for showing consideration and is geared to showing graciousness on the court."

In January, Brown joined a singles league sponsored by the Pasco County Parks and Recreation Department at the Holiday Recreation Complex. He finished second to Dale Thelan in the 1A Division.

"I really hadn't played singles here before, but decided to try the rec league," Brown said.

"... I enjoy the longer rallies and like playing from a defensive posture. I have a pretty decent serve and I do like to hit hard, but I especially like the rally."

Brown has participated on USTA league teams the past two years. He played on the Westin Innisbrook Resort's 3.5 senior men's team with captain Dick Willetsand on the 3.5 Phil Green Tennis Academy squad with captain Bill Graham.

According to Graham, Willets discovered Brown at Innisbrook, where he groomed the courts in the evenings. Eventually, Brown began playing some pickup games with them. Willets asked Brown to play on the senior doubles team and later referred him to Graham for his adult league team.

"It was fun playing on the league teams and getting to know some of the players," Brown said. "I don't play any tournaments, but just get some friends together to play. Whether I hook up individually or with a team, I'm happy."

Brown is married and has five children. Brown is strongly family-oriented and intimately connected to the church, along with his commitment to hospice.

"Tennis is not a great priority in my life, but I think it's a beautiful game," Brown said. "Since I first learned to play tennis, I've always found a way to play, and I always will."

LEAGUE CELEBRATION: More than 90 current and former USA League captains participated in Saturday's 25th anniversary celebration of USA League Tennis. Staged at the Renaissance Vinoy in St. Petersburg, captains competed in round-robin team play directed by Vinoy tennis director Hans Gallauer.

District 12 coordinators, led by Ruth Ann and Norm Ott and Carol Levin, coordinated an afternoon of friendly team competition, concluding with prizes to the winners, gifts commemorative of the league's 25th year nationwide to all captains and a light meal prepared by the Vinoy.

USA Tennis Florida, the state's governing body of tennis, and the Suncoast Tennis Foundation, Pinellas County's volunteer-based community association, assisted in the celebration.

SAVE THIS DATE: The 12th annual Charity Tennis Tournament to benefit the Humane Society of Pinellas is Sept. 28-Oct. 2 at Royal Racquet Club in Clearwater.

To learn about sponsorship opportunities, contact tournament chair Judy Foster, (727) 725-3681.

COMING UP: Boys and girls singles for 18, 16, 14, 12 and 10 age divisions are scheduled this weekend at the Temple Terrace Tennis Center. Call tournament director Manny Mariani at (813) 969-7178. ... Countryside Country Club hosts its Countryside Summer NTRP for adults in singles and doubles divisions July 9-11. Call tournament director Rick Workman, (727) 785-2212, by Tuesday's deadline.

News for this column may be faxed to Nancy Morgan at 727 796-5559, e-mailed to namorgan46@msn.com or sent to 710 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756. Please include phone number.

[Last modified June 29, 2005, 01:19:17]