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STF fundraiser increases intake

By NANCY MORGAN
Published February 1, 2007

Champions of the 2006 charity tournament season were crowned last month in the Suncoast Tennis Foundation's Tournament of Champions.

Staged at Royal Racquet Club in Clearwater, a record 168 players participated in the fifth-annual contest.

Sponsored by the STF, the invitation-only doubles contest included winners, runnerups, semifinalists and consolation winners from charity events that benefitted the American Cancer Society, Arthritis Foundation, Humane Society of North Pinellas, Good Samaritan and Big Brothers, Big Sisters. Winners and runnerups from the 2005 Tournament of Champions also were eligible.

The parity of competition was evidenced by five of the 10 finals determined in three-set matches. Posting three-set wins were Karen Randazzo and Craig Hajdich in the mixed 4.5, Jill Faw and Charlotte Tao women's 3.5, Cathi Macy and Cindy Sloyer 3.0, Eric Alverado and Chris Rivera 4.5 and Larry Nickerson and Jeff Kopelman 3.5.

"I was quite pleased with the tournament and how it was run," Faw said. "With the other activities going on, along with the tennis, it created a fun atmosphere.

"Charlotte's and our final match lasted four hours. They Jil Colen and Joyce Hall beat us last time, so we're even now."

Faw was impressed with learning about the foundation's work in creating tennis opportunities, especially for youths and particularly at the grassroots level.

Two-set winners included Andrea and Bob Bolender in 4.0 mixed doubles, Rena Khawan and Andrew Patron 3.5, Gina and Justin Larue 3.0, Susan Hobbs and Ann Worthington women's 4.0 and Troy Felland and John McDonnell men's 4.0.

Joining the champions' circle with the doubles teams was the STF, which surpassed its goal of raising $10,000 from the event.

"Last year, we raised $6,000, so to exceed that number was wonderful," said Judy Foster, part-time executive director of the STF. "Last year, we had 110 players - this year, we cut off registration at 168. There were more spectators this year, too, so I think people are realizing there's something to do at the tournament even if you're not playing."

Foster emphasized that 86 percent of the nonprofit volunteer organization's budget is directed to programs and services and only 14 percent to fundraising and administration.

"The majority of our efforts are related to youth tennis, and we also assist adults and coaches' development workshops," Foster said. "We provide equipment, balls and scholarships for Junior Team Tennis participation. The results of this tournament will help us assist disadvantaged youth and adults, as well as help us to continue providing assistance in the schools tennis program."

Foster works with a volunteer board of directors, including recently elected Irene Tharin as president, Elizabeth Proctor vice-president, Susie Winship treasurer and Cindy Marden secretary. Other board members include Karen Duchin, Robin Short, Sue DeLong, Barbara Brown-Emery, Ruth Ann Ott, Craig Corry, Ron Massey, David Wisotsky, Phil Girardi, Rick Workman, Jeff Davis and Nancy Morgan. Carrie Zickefoose serves as a part-time administrative assistant.

Anyone interested in the STF should call Foster, 725-3681, or visit the STF Web site, www.ourtennis.net.

NET SHOTS: Top seed Bob Meyerdierks claimed the men's 80 singles title in last weekend's Super Seniors Grand Prix in Naples. Meyerdierks teamed with Lyn Abbot to win the 80 doubles. Alex Deeb finished second in the men's 55.

- Winners in last weekend's Clearwater Adult NTRP Kickoff at the McMullen Tennis Complex included local singles players Dr. Jimmy Gatza in men's 5.0, Mark Taylor 4.5 and Matt Loyd 3.5. In doubles, Dolores Claesson and Deborah Owens won the women's 3.5 and Ken Emery teamed with Mark Maconi to win the men's 4.0.

Local finalists included Gabriela Montero in the women's 4.0, Jorge Bernal men's 5.0, Matt Fox 4.5, Mazhar Al-Abed 4.0, Robert Goetz 3.5 and Gary Durrance 3.0.

- Steve Talner defeated Reinaldo Valor 2-6, 6-4, 3-0 (retired) in the McMullen Tennis Complex 32-player ladder draw.

CLUB CHAMPIONS: Countryside Country Club named its 2006 club champions in singles, doubles and mixed doubles.

Leading the singles champions were Dina Glover in the women's open division and Colin Hill in the men's open. Willie Harris won the 4.0, Scott Wilkerson 3.5 and Dave Avery 3.0.

Doubles winners were Kim Rega and Lea Avery in the open division, Jil Colen and Joyce Hall 3.5, Isabelle Blainey and Joyce Ostiguy 3.0 among the women. Men's champions were Ken Emery and Paul Jacobs in men's open, Joe Haas and Mark McComeskey 3.5 and Frank Blainey and Tim Ingram 3.0.

In mixed doubles, club champions were Kenni Friere and Ken Emery in 8.0, Hank and Ted Skoczen 7.0 and Kim and Mike Rega 6.0.

WATCH THE PROS: The third annual Sheriff Jim Coats Clearwater Women's Open, a $25,000 USTA Pro Circuit event, is Feb. 19-25 at the McMullen Tennis Complex. A wildcard contest is Feb. 12-15, followed by singles and doubles qualifying Feb. 18-19. Call 669-1919.

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 February 1, 2007, 00:21:36]