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Tennis

Upcoming Tennis Classic benefits New Port Richey health clinic

By NANCY MORGAN
Published October 20, 2005

Good tennis for a good cause is coming next month.

The 13th Annual Tennis Classic, a benefit for the Good Samaritan Health Clinic in New Port Richey, is Nov. 4-6 at the Paul Kronk Tennis Center Crescent Oaks Country Club in Tarpon Springs.

Over the past 12 years, nearly $600,000 has been generated from the men's, women's and mixed doubles competition. Last year alone, $80,000 was raised for the free, non-profit clinic.

"We're hoping to at least meet, if not exceed, last year's amount," said Ellie Paladine, co-chair of the tournament with Jan Harroun. "The clinic has moved to a new facility from the old trailer it's been in for years. Demands have increased over the years, and this tournament is the perfect way to help the clinic and play tennis at the same time."

The clinic opened in 1990. In 1993, the Pasco County Medical Society Alliance took on the tournament for a fundraiser. Each year, the tournament, in memory of Ariel Rothschild Goldman, has surpassed its previous efforts.

"We have a much larger committee now with about 25 active, enthusiastic volunteers," Paladine said. "The executive committee is responsible for organizing various activities and each has a core of volunteers to help them."

Members of the executive committee include co-chairs Paladine and Harroun, honorary chair Lynn Goldman, Beth Fregger, Dale Slive, Ginny Pierce, Laura McFarland and clinic executive director Barbara Holton.

Fregger, who is responsible for Smash Bash, the weekend's kickoff on Nov. 3, promises surprises for players and guests. The dinner at Seven Springs Country Club is courtesy of Carrabba's Italian Grill. Slive is in charge of weekend activities, Pierce is taking care of printing and McFarland is supervising sponsors.

"We try to do something new every year for the tournament and its activities," Paladine said. "It's for a good cause and so everyone wants to get involved with it."

Competition is available in 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 and open divisions in the three doubles formats. Cost is $65 for one event, $90 for two events and includes a commemorative T-shirt, massages, a goodie bag and food and beverages.

Courts are provided free by Debbie and Paul Kronk, and teaching professional Matt Kleber returns as the tournament director.

The tournament deadline is Oct. 28. Registration forms are available at area clubs and may be mailed to Good Samaritan Health Clinic of Pasco, Inc., Attention: Debbie, 5334 Aspen St., New Port Richey, FL 34652. Call (727) 848-6851 for other information.

LEAGUE NEWS: Local teams fell short in last weekend's USA League Tennis Adult Mixed Doubles State Championships in Daytona Beach.

Countryside Country Club played to a 1-3 record in its 7.0 flight and McMullen was winless in its 9.0 flight. Royal Racquet Club won its 8.0 flight with a 2-1 record but fell in the semifinal to eventual champion Gainesville.

Other state winners were Jacksonville in the 6.0, Ft. Myers in 7.0 and Gainesville in 9.0.

A local men's team - based at McMullen and including team captain Ron Massey, Wendall Walker, John Beda, John Rensch, Ed Hamilton, Jeff McQuinn, Mauro Rodriguez, Chuck Imhoff, Ron Klieve and David Hoffman - leaves this week for the Oct. 24-26 USA League Tennis National Super Senior 4.0 National Championships in Palm Springs, Calif. Earlier this month, Walker, Massey, Rensch, Beda, Hamilton and Klieve joined Hap Ellerby, Eric Goldman, John Williams and Jeff Persky in the USA League Tennis National Senior 4.0 Championships at the same site in California.

The senior team posted a 2-1 record, beating USTA section Northern 2-1 but falling 2-1 to Missouri Valley and 3-0 to eventual champion Middle States.

Last weekend's USA Combo Senior Women's Doubles League action resulted in Treasure Island Tennis and Yacht Club collecting its second win in the 6.5 division to pull even with Feather Sound Country Club.

Shipwatch Tennis Club raised its record to 4-0 in the 7.5 with its win over Safety Harbor Spa.

In the USA Combo Senior Men's Doubles League last weekend, Feather Sound evened its record with Countryside Country Club in the 6.5 after its 3-0 win over the Renaissance Vinoy.

NET SHOTS: Rain-delayed finals in the Humane Society Charity Tournament were completed last weekend at Royal Racquet Club.

In the women's 4.0 doubles final, Ria Graham and Nancy Morgan outlasted Christy Monroe and Turtle Marshal 6-7 (4-7), 7-5, 6-4.

In the men's 4.0 final, Ron Bedlack and Charles Sleeme defeated Wendall Walker and John Beda 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (7-5).

Kristen Hurst defended her top seeding to win the girls 14-and-under singles title in last weekend's Treasure Island Fall Rookie Tournament. Among the finalists were Natalia Campos in the girls 10 and Ravin Sajnani the boys 14.

MARK THE DATES: Advantage Yours Tennis in Clearwater plans to celebrate 20 years in business from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Nov. 5 at McMullen Tennis Complex. For information, call (727) 442-7923.

The 13th annual Frenchy's Gumbo Tennis Classic, to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pinellas County, is scheduled Nov. 11-13 at McMullen Tennis Complex. Register at Big Brothers Big Sisters (727-518-8860), McMullen (727-669-1919) or Advantage Yours Tennis (727-442-7923).

COMING UP: The Tampa Bay Doubles Challenge begins Saturday at Royal Racquet Club. Call (727) 799-3200 to enter the age-division men's, women's and mixed doubles divisions. ... The Saddlebrook Super Series for juniors begins Saturday. Call the club at (813) 973-1111 to register for the singles and doubles events. ... Westin Innisbrook Resort hosts its Junior Grand Prix Tournament on Oct. 22. Call (727) 942-5241.

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

[Last modified October 20, 2005, 01:19:18]