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Tennis

McMullen is ready for fund-raiser

By NANCY MORGAN
Published November 10, 2005

The time to become a player in the 13th annual Frenchy's Gumbo Tennis Classic has passed, but there are other opportunities to support this weekend's fund-raiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pinellas County.

Clearwater's McMullen Tennis Complex will play host to the men's, women's and mixed doubles competition Friday through Sunday. There is a silent auction open to players and spectators and a tennis carnival for youths.

There was a sneak preview of the silent auction items during Wednesday's draw party at Frenchy's Rockaway Grill on Clearwater Beach.

"The silent auction will continue until 3:30 Saturday," said Sally Tietz, events coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters. "There are lots of tennis-related items, as well as things like airline tickets and restaurant gift certificates.

"In the past, we've averaged about $4,000 and are always hoping to raise more money," she said. "Whether a player or a spectator, we hope everyone will be a part of the auction."

From 10 a.m.-noon on Saturday is a free Kids Fun Day hosted by the Suncoast Tennis Foundation that will include contests, games and prizes for all participants in the carnival.

"In keeping with the mission of the Foundation to develop and expand amateur community tennis, we are presenting this program for kids of all ages," said Judy Foster, executive director of the Suncoast Tennis Foundation. "We hold similar tennis carnivals as often as possible to introduce adults and youth to the game of tennis.

"Loving tennis as much as I do, there is nothing like seeing a young child's eyes light up when they hit their first ball and it flies right. Tennis is the best sport for kids to learn basic physical and social skills."

Michael Preston, better known as Frenchy, has had a long-standing relationship with the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization and has loaned his nickname to the tournament since its inception in 1992.

More than 20 years ago, Preston became a big brother to 8-year-old Jason Loftus. The pair have continued their relationship, and later this month Preston will be in 31-year-old Loftus' wedding.

"It's been a lifelong relationship with Jason and me," Preston said.

"I'm involved in a lot of different charities, but I'm most hands-on involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters," he said. "I see what it can do for kids, having had an up-close relationship with the organization."

Preston initially was enticed with the idea of having a tennis tournament as a fund-raiser by then-executive director Tom Esslinger.

Esslinger, who passed away four years ago, had been executive director more than 20 years and urged Preston to combine his love of the game with his support of Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Over the years, the tournament has generated $15,000-20,000 annually for the charity.

To serve as a volunteer for the competition or other activities, call 518-8860.

LEAGUE NEWS: Florida Super Senior 4.0 champion McMullen fell short in last month's USA League Tennis National Championships in Palm Springs, Calif.

McMullen defeated Northern California 2-1 and lost 2-1 to Pacific Northwest and Southern in flight competition. USTA Middle States was the 8.0 champion.

Players representing Florida were captain Ron Massey, Mauro Rodriguez, Ed Hamilton, John Rensch, John Beda, Jeff McQuinn, Chuck Imhoff and Wendall Walker.

A captains meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Nov. 29 at East Lake Woodlands Country Club for Senior, Super Senior, Super 70 and Senior mixed doubles leagues.

For information, contact Carol Levin (clevin01@tampabay.rr.com) David Wisotsky (adwswiz@msn.com) or Linda Meehan (meehan100@yahoo.com)

NET SHOTS: Racquet Sports Industry recognized USTA Florida, the state's organization, as the No. 1 section in the United States Tennis Association.

Reported in the November/December RSI magazine, Florida was selected for its creativity, ingenuity and originality.

Florida executive director Doug Booth credits the hiring of community coordinators, innovative grants to spark new programs and a visionary board of directors for the success.

Among the singles winners in last month's Octoberfest Junior Tournament at Seminole Lake Tennis Center were top-seeded Molly Smith (girls 14-and-under division) and Rebecca Bodine (16), Anthony Barrancotto (boys 14) and No. 4 Minar Rane (14).

Playing to a second-place finish were Jade Smith (girls 10), Julia Jones (16), Adam Ambrozy (boys 10) and Sandro Petrovic (18).

Collecting consolation prizes were Jasyme Smith (girls 16) and David Teytelbaum (boys 10).

Among the winners in last weekend's St. Petersburg Country Club Rookie Championships were top-seeded Alyssa Emery (girls 14-and-under class), Yurina Kunishima (16), Michael Beiler (boys 14) and No. 2 Andrew Kissner (16).

Consolation winners included Tahira Green (girls 10), Yasmin Franco (12), No. 2 Jessica Schroeder (14), Starlon Cornelius (boys 12) and Michael Rainwater (16).

DID YOU KNOW? In a non-officiated match, the receiver or his partner may call a foot fault on the server after all efforts have been exhausted to eliminate the violation.

A fault occurs when either foot touches the court, including the baseline or imaginary extension of the center mark or sideline, before the server strikes the ball.

According to the USTA's The Code, compliance with the fault rule is a function of a player's personal honor system.

COMING UP: Westin Innisbrook Resort will play host to the Junior Grand Prix Tournament on Saturday. To enter the singles competition, call 942-5241. ... The 16th annual Pete Wolfberg Championships are scheduled for Saturday at St. Petersburg Tennis Center. To register for the state-sanctioned junior singles event, call 823-2225. ... The East Lake Fall Junior Super Series is Nov. 19-21. For information, call the club, 785-2212.

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.

[Last modified November 10, 2005, 01:21:17]