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Letter to the editor

PE teacher coaxes kids onto the courts

By NANCY MORGAN
Published June 20, 2007

Scott Hagenbuch's intrigue with individual sports and background as an educator have resulted in his taking on Seminole's tennis program on four of its public courts.

Hagenbuch, 33, has taught elementary physical education eight years, the past seven at Westgate Elementary in St. Petersburg. Since taking a USTA-sanctioned recreation coaches workshop in 2000, he has made a commitment to offer tennis in his curriculum.

"I'm very strong about individual sports, and want kids to learn a sport they can enjoy the rest of their life, " Hagenbuch said. "There's easy accessibility to tennis courts and I believe tennis builds character, honesty and self-respect. I try to downplay the competition in tennis and would rather they not worry about the score or who's winning. There are plenty of noncompetitive reasons to play tennis, like just being with friends and being active."

Hagenbuch, who grew up in Clearwater, played tennis as a youth, but work and other duties kept him from playing for Clearwater High. The USF graduate continued to play with friends and competed in the Ultimate Tennis flex singles league.

Not until parents of some of his Westgate students asked him to teach their kids tennis outside of the school hours did Hagenbuch consider such an undertaking.

With Hagenbuch's experience in teaching PE classes ranging from 20-35 students, planning activities to keep players busy on the courts was simple. Utilizing games, drills and activities learned from the coaches workshop and school, there is little time to stand around on the court, Hagenbuch said.

This month, Hagenbuch will host a Tennis Fun Day at the city courts for 240-280 kids from Seminole's recreation camp. From 9 a.m.-3 p.m., six groups of campers will be exposed to tennis skills in an interactive, fun way. USTA Florida community coordinator Jeff Davis will share duties.

"I want to get a racquet in their hands and show them what tennis is all about, " Hagenbuch said. "Let them fall in love with the game themselves and let them decide to play. I'm there if they're interested."

To reach Hagenbuch, call 698-9288 or e-mail shagenbu@tampabay.rr.com Contact Seminole recreation at 391-8345.

NET SHOTS: Local results from last week's Junior State Closed Championships include 8-year-old Anastasia Nefedova claiming the girls 10-and-under state title. Third-place honors were earned by Lindsay Dvorak in the girls 18, Becky Bodine 14 and Adam Ambrozy boys 10. Julia Jones, with a hard-fought three-set loss to Bodine, was fourth in the 14. .

- In last weekend's Harbor Island Athletic Club Rookie Championships, Kathryn Komarnicki defended her top seeding to win the girls 12-and-under singles title. Finalists included Thomas Komarnicki in the boys 16 and top seed Nicolous Halverson in the 10. Reaching the semifinals were Yasmin Franco in girls 14, Alexis Franco 12 and No. 4 Jackson Kettell boys 14.

- Chase Rutan was a boys 10 finalist in last weekend's Florida Sunshine State Games Rookie Tournament in Lakeland.

- Reaching the semifinals in last weekend's Hunter's Green Country Club Rookie Tournament were Ilana Rakita girls 10, Erin Westacott 12, Michael Westacott boys 14 and Dillon Snyder 16.

COMING UP: The Clearwater Junior Summer Classic begins Saturday at the McMullen Tennis Complex. Call 669-1919. ...The Temple Terrace Junior Summer Bash begins June 30. Call 813 989-7178.

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 June 20, 2007, 01:51:46]