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Seminole Lake program courts kids

By NANCY MORGAN
Published January 3, 2007

Running around his parent's tennis club while growing up in Indianapolis, it was natural David Guild would immerse himself in the game.

Since July, Guild has served as tennis director at Seminole Lake Tennis Academy. In less than six months, Guild has made inroads in the marketing process of the club, including creating a brochure and updating its Web site. Guild has developed a variety of classes for the young beginner to the senior adult. Recently, Guild made contact in the county school system to offer tennis opportunities at area schools.

"I'm a hands-on type of guy, and know that tennis is a people business," said Guild, 53. "We need to give them the best experience we can. There are no quick fixes, but we have to build on solid fundamentals. Here at Seminole, I'm looking for longevity and want to build from within and without. We don't need to try to steal players, but all work together and get the message out about tennis."

Guild developed much of his philosophy from his father Paul, whom he considered a tennis pioneer, and his mom Jerrie. According to Guild, the USTA Midwest section adopted some of his father's ideas on tennis training. Guild was a ranked junior player in the Midwest and traveled as much as 9,000 miles yearly to compete.

"As a kid, I played tennis, football and basketball, and then tennis and football in high school," Guild said. "I had an offer to play quarterback on the football team and tennis at Cincinnati, but in 1971 my draft number was called. By the time the draft was eliminated and troops were returning from Vietnam, I was too late to start school there.

"I went to IUPUI for about six months but didn't like it and went down to Fort Lauderdale to vacation, play tennis and teach. I've been in Florida pretty much since."

Stints as director of tennis at clubs in Naples preceded Guild's selection at Seminole. Last weekend, Guild and his staff directed a New Year's Super Series for more than 200 kids.

Among the singles winners was Damian Pittau of Largo in the boys 18 and under. Largo's Juan Pescie reached the boys 16 final before falling to the top seed. In doubles, twins Jade and Jayla Smith of St. Petersburg won the girls 10 doubles title, as did Amy Lowther and Blair Martin in the 12. Pescie paired with Jorge Ellena to collect the boys 16 doubles award, as did Pittau and Lucas Carrascosa the 18.

LEAGUE NEWS: St. Petersburg/Clearwater Adult League captains' meeting begins at 6 p.m. Jan. 30 at Feather Sound Country Club.

NET SHOTS: Lindsay Dvorak placed third in the girls 16-and-under division in last month's Copper Bowl, a junior national contest in Tucson, Ariz.

Younger sister Emily reached the 14 mixed doubles with Spencer Newman.

- Local clubs are hosting this month's sectional tournaments for 14-and-under singles divisions Jan. 13-15. Royal Racquet Club 799-3200 the boys and girls 10, Seminole Lake Tennis Academy (394-1733) boys 12, McMullen Tennis Complex (669-1919) girls 12, Bardmoor Golf and Tennis Club (391-2205) girls 14. Cheval Country Club (813-948-2282) in Lutz is hosting the boys 14 competition.

COMING UP: The St. Petersburg Tennis Center hosts its Junior Championships beginning Saturday. Call 823-2225.

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

[Last modified January 3, 2007, 07:04:50]