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County seeks higher profile

By NANCY MORGAN
Published November 15, 2006

About 20 tennis enthusiasts met Sunday in New Port Richey to discuss their favorite sport and share ideas on how to increase its activity in Pasco County.

Under the leadership of Christina Hill, USTA Florida's county rep and a teaching pro in New Port Richey, the group assessed the number of courts available to the public, the need for organized programs and brainstormed the most effective means to distribute information to players.

Joining Hill in the discussion was Linda Curtis, USTA Florida's director of community development. Curtis emphasized the need for players in the area to take action together.

"It's a proven fact that tennis is best grown when the leadership comes from within the community," Curtis said.

Among the needs expressed were programs for youths, adults and seniors; a Web site to disseminate information, a public facility with soft and hard courts and a community tennis association.

"There is a huge need for more tennis opportunities in Pasco County," said Mary Hanlon of New Port Richey. "This area keeps growing and growing and there just are not enough courts. It's a shame that so many players travel to Pinellas County for their matches. We should be able to play them right here."

The group's consensus was that a community tennis association under the guidelines of USTA Florida should be formed.

Hill encouraged those attending to complete a volunteer form and specify their areas of interest and expertise. A tentative followup meeting date was set for Jan. 14 at 2 p.m.

"I think we've taken a very positive step, and I'm very excited about the players that came to the meeting," Hill said. "I hope we will begin to see tennis grow in Pasco County as a result of this first meeting. The key now is to do the followup."

LEAGUE NEWS: Tonight at 6, captains for the men's and women's senior, super senior and super 70 doubles leagues, senior mixed doubles and the women's 6.5 evening combo leagues meet with league coordinators at Feather Sound Country Club.

NET SHOTS: This week, New Port Richey's Ria Graham and Wesley Chapel's Toni Novack are among players representing Florida in the USTA National Senior Women's Intersectional Team Championships in Austin, Texas. Graham is competing on the 65-and-over team and Novack on the 55.

- Top seed Carol Fraley (girls 14-and-under) and Hunter O'Brien (boys 10) collected singles titles in last weekend's Pete Wolfberg 16th annual Championships in St. Petersburg. Finalists included Samuel Chaffin in the boys 12, Jay Mendoza (14) and Taylor Davis (16).

- Stephanie Kent (girls 18), Kalotina Klonaris (16) and Dilip Kamath (boys 18) won singles titles in the Hunter's Green Junior Clay Court Challenge. Ivette Lopez reached the girls 18 final, as did top seed Paul Polarczyk in the boys 18.

MARK THE DATE: The College Tennis Exposure Camp for juniors ages 15-18 is Dec. 9-10 at USF. Call 1-800-446-2238 or visit www.collegetennis.com.

COMING UP: The East Lake Super Series for juniors begins Saturday at East Lake Woodlands. Call (727) 785-2212 today. ...The Thanksgiving Rookie Classic begins Nov. 25 at Tampa Palms Golf and Country Club. Call (813) 632-1676.

News may be faxed to Nancy Morgan, (727) 445-4119; e-mailed to namorgan@tampabay.rr.com or sent to 710 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756. Please include phone number.

[Last modified November 14, 2006, 23:33:51]