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Humane Society charity tourney is ready to go

This month's charity tournament to benefit the Humane Society of Pinellas couldn't come at a better time.

The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina has had a far-reaching impact, and the Clearwater shelter has been among those involved in the efforts to rescue as many animals as possible.

Last week in the New Orleans area, 18-hour days were the norm for Humane Society workers as they set up animal relief shelters.

"We brought back 35 animals and have been asked to go back," said Rick Chaboudy , executive director of the Humane Society. "It's a strain on our vehicles, use of gas, extra care for the animals - some with severe medical problems - as well as those we normally have.

"Our facility is crowded as is, but we're compelled to help," Chaboudy said. "Once you see it, you've got to help. The revenue from this tournament definitely will help us; not only for general operation but for the extra things we're doing."

Royal Racquet Club in Clearwater will play host to the 12th annual Humane Society event Sept.28-Oct.2. The club has been the only site of the tournament since its 1993 inception.

Divisions include women's, men's and mixed doubles in 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5 and open levels. For the second year, a 10-point tie-breaker will be used for the third set-up to the final.

Awards will be given to the champions, finalists and consolation winners. The event is a qualifier for the Suncoast Tennis Foundation Tournament of Champions in January.

"Last year, we had about 200 players and made around $16,000," said Judy Foster , tournament chairwoman.

"I can't stress enough how important is that we have more players and raise more money this year. With the wear and tear at the shelter, we need to renovate the existing faility and build new facilities.

"In just the last month, the shelter has taken in 500 adoptable cats and kittens," Foster said. "Sixty-seven animals were recently confiscated from a one-bedroom apartment. We're running out of room."

The tourney's activities kick off Sept.28 with a warm-up party and dinner for players and guests.

New is the Sports Media Team Tennis Challenge on Thursday evening. It combines media personnel with local teaching pros in a team format.

Presented by the Andy Roddick Foundation, the carnival is USA Tennis Florida's Bobby Curtis Tennis on the Move program. To register, contact www.thetennischannel.com/knologypinellas or 239-0226.

Planning the tournament is a labor of love for Foster, who has been the only chairperson.

Since the death of her daughter, Shannon Morton , in 1996, the event has been played in memory of Morton. She first volunteered at the Humane Society at 13.

Assisting Foster in the planning are Kiki Jacobsen , Donna Roberts , Doreen Sleeme , Mary Miller , Pam Bascio , Stefanie Seropian and first-year volunteers Janet Eschenroeder , Sue Pendleton , Lisa Kippenberger and Ellen Jonasson .

Donna Coddington is the tournament director.

Whether a player or spectator, there are many opportunities to help the animals and receive prizes. Raffle drawings and a silent auction are scheduled throughout the weekend.

"Businesses have been extremely generous this year with donations, including a $350 bracelet, top of the line racquets, gift

baskets and restaurant certificates," Foster said.

Players may register until 2 p.m. on Sept.25. For information, call 791-8415.

LEAGUES: This month, Largo Tennis Center was named the 6.5 champion in the Combo Men's League and Shipwatch Tennis Club was crowned the 7.5 winner.

Largo (8-2) was first among five squads, and Shipwatch (8-1) topped the five-team North division.

Largo was the outright winner in its division. Shipwatch played a match against Treasure Bay (7-1), the South champion, to determine the overall winner.

Largo and Shipwatch advance to the USA Tennis Florida State Championship, Jan.14-16 at Florida Tennis Center. Joining the men's teams are the Shipwatch 7.5 and Treasure Island Tennis and Yacht Club 8.5 women.

The Senior Women's 7.5 Combo League started last weekend, with Shipwatch Tennis Club beating PGA-SH Spa 2-1.

Along with Shipwatch and the Spa in the 7.5 class are McMullen, East Lake Woodlands and Treasure Island Tennis and Yacht Club. Three more teams are in 6.5.

In the Senior Men's Combo League are five teams in the 6.5 division and four each in 7.5 and 8.5. Competition begins Friday.

USA Tennis Florida's Adult Mixed Doubles League starts local competition Friday evening.

In the eight-team 7.0 division are three squads from Countryside Country Club and one each from Bardmoor, Innisbrook, Largo Tennis Center, Renaissance Vinoy and East Lake Woodlands.

The eight teams in the 8.0 class are from East Lake, the Vinoy, Royal Racquet, St.Petersburg Tennis Center, Shipwatch and a combined Spa and McMullen squad. Treasure Island Tennis and Yacht Club has two teams.

League action continues through mid-December.

NET SHOTS: Among the winners in last weekend's East Lake Fall Junior Tournament were Anastasia Nefedova (girls 12-and-under division), Theresa Linnert (16), Christopher Ryan (boys 10), Andrew Ryan (12), Harrison Cavanaugh (14) and Keegan Smith (16).

Runners-up included Carolina Barnett (girls 12), Natalie Boruk (16), Michael Beiler (12) and Frank Berdos (16).

Collecting consolation victories were Mariana Gerard (girls 12), Mason Beiler (boys 10), Sankar Kannusamuy (14) and Eric Mutschler (16).

In the University of Tampa Battle last weekend, singles winners included Julia Sikorski (girls 14 division), Rebecca Bodine (16) and Alexander Saltiel (boys 12).

Finishing second were Amy Lowther (girls 12) and Ricky Szymanski (boys 12).

COMING UP: The Clearwater Fall Championships begin Saturday at McMullen Tennis Complex in Clearwater. For information, call Alex Vely , (727) 724-1481.

St.Petersburg Tennis Center plays host to the Adult Championships this weekend. Call Al Sarmiento , (727) 823-2225, for information.

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