Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

League captains bask in day of appreciation, action

By NANCY MORGAN
Published June 28, 2006

USTA league captains were treated to an afternoon of tennis, prizes, awards and a meal Saturday at the Renaissance Vinoy.

The day was planned by the St. Petersburg-Clearwater league coordinators to recognize and thank those who served as team captains this season.

"After the positive comments we received from last years' 25th league anniversary celebration around the state, the Florida section realized we needed to continue recognizing the team captains," said Ruth Ann Ott, who coordinates women's adult, super senior and super 70 leagues with Carol Levin. "We found the captains were very appreciative and had a good time last year, so we worked at making this year's even better."

Planning the event, along with Ott and Levin, were adult and senior combo coordinator Norm Ott, Judy Murphy senior women, Linda Meehan (adult and senior mixed) and David Wisotsky (men's senior, super senior and super 70). Vinoy tennis director Hans Gallauer directed the six-game pro-set team tennis matches that included men's and women's doubles and mixed doubles. There were six teams of players with about a dozen players each.

"It's nice to be recognized and everyone did a great job in getting the afternoon arranged," team captain Scott Stewart said. "Plus, there couldn't be a better venue to have this at than at the Vinoy."

Stewart, in his first year as captain, led his Vinoy senior men's 4.0 team to a state title and a trip to the USTA Adult League National Championships in Palm Springs, Calif., in October.

The St. Petersburg-Clearwater league includes nearly 3,000 players, third largest in Florida, according to Ruth Ann Ott. That averages out to about 250 captains. The event was open to the first 50 men and 50 women captains who registered.

"Our area is really active in USTA leagues and tries to nearly fill the calendar year, which is good for tennis," Gallauer said. "The leagues promote the sport, and that's what we're all about. Plus, we all know how difficult it can be at times to be a captain."

Hedy Hunyady, who has played tennis since 1956, has captained teams the past nine years.

"This was just great to have a special event for captains," she said. "They really did a good job. I thought it was even better than last year."

LEAGUE NEWS: In adult 8.0 mixed doubles semifinal playoff action last weekend, East Lake Woodlands eliminated Shipwatch Tennis Club, as did Royal Racquet Club the Vinoy. In the final, Royal beat East Lake 2-1 to set up a playoff with the fall winners, East Lake and Royal Racquet, at a time to be determined. The winner advances to state in October.

Shipwatch 3.5 men's team clinched its St. Petersburg-Clearwater USTA Adult League division with a 3-2 score over McMullen. Deadlocked at 2-2 with McMullen on wins from No. 2 singles player Eddie Earls and No. 2 doubles team Joe Bulone and Al Smith, Shipwatch's Tom Rinehart posted a 7-5, 6-4 win in No. 1.

The summer session of the South Pinellas Ladies Doubles League began this month for six women's teams in the 3.5 division and three more in the 3.0. Competition in the two doubles position teams is Wednesday mornings through the first of August.

NET SHOTS: Matt Fox defended his top seeding to win the men's 4.5 singles title in last weekend's Royal Racquet NTRP Summer Fun. Other winners included Kenneth Emery (4.0), Steven Gilbert (5.0) and Laura Artale (women's 3.0).

Julia Teytelbaum in the girls 14 and brother David in the boys 12 also recorded wins. Brett Apter was boys 18 finalist, as was Ricky Szymanski in the 14.

COMING UP: Seminole Lake Tennis Academy its July Spectacular Super Series for juniors 14-and-under beginning July 8. Call 394-1733 ...Royal Racquet Summer Super Series for juniors in 18 and 16 age divisions begins July 8. Call 799-3200.

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 June 28, 2006, 08:19:43]