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Letter to the editor

SPTC celebrates another season

By NANCY MORGAN, Times Sports Correspondent
Published November 7, 2007

The St. Petersburg Tennis Center had a day of celebration Saturday.

From recognizing this year's senior women's 4.5 national championship team to the planned clubhouse renovation, participants applauded the center's achievements over the last year.

Jay Sokolovsky, the Tennis Foundation of St. Petersburg's first president, emceed the celebration and cited last season's Pinellas Area Doubles League champ SPTC, the center's hosting of the 23rd Raymond James Charity Pro Am, the success of the Jim Courier Mercedes Benz Classic and the upcoming USTA Florida Hall of Fame induction of Sam Vuille, a former junior player at the center.

"This year has been a really good year for the St. Petersburg Tennis Center," Sokolovsky said.

The celebration kicked off with a free tennis clinic and concluded with a tennis exhibition among some of the center's teaching professionals.

A highlight of the day was the naming of the recipient of the Linwood Lewallen Sportsamanship Award, an honor bestowed on an individual who has contributed to the success at the center.

"This year's winner personifies the art of giving," said Shikha Singh, the center's head pro and director of the kids programs. "He's worked hard every day with the kids and had a very positive impact on them. For that, Rag Berns is this year's winner."

Berns of St. Petersburg said he was caught off guard.

"I had absolutely no idea I was getting this and really came by to just help out today," Berns said.

Berns and his wife, Suzanne, moved to St. Petersburg in 1994 when he retired from the Marine Corps after nearly 40 years of service.

"About two years ago, I was looking for things to do and came to the St. Pete Tennis Center," Berns said. "I talked to Doc Thompson, and here I am.

NET SHOTS: Joining singles champions Nik Sukhasam men's 40-and-over, Jeff Winkler (men's 50) and Wallace Ryan (men's 80) in last month's SPTC Adults and Senior Vets was finalist Sheharyar Wali (open).

- Among the winners in last month's Seminole Lake Tennis Center Octoberfest were top-seed Alyssa Bellini (girls 16-and-under), No. 2 Agatha Amborzy (girls 14), Iana Nikolaeva (girls 12) and Kara Kucin (girls 18).

- More than 100 women entered the inaugural Pretty in Pink women's doubles tournament last Friday at Eastlake Woodlands Country Club. Competition in four NTRP playing levels resulted in Wendy Brickman and Marlene Drum claiming the 3.0 title, Diana Gale and Cindy Frank winning the 3.5, Mary Gordon and Kim Damico taking the 4.0, and Karen Randazzo and Judi Morris winning the 4.5.

LEAGUE NEWS: There's a captains' meeting tonight at 6 at Feather Sound Country Club for St. Petersburg/Clearwater senior, super senior and 70s leagues. The social begins at 6, followed by a 6:30 meeting with local league coordinators to review new rules and procedures.

- Next week, Treasure Bay's 7.0 senior mixed squad travels to Orlando for the National Eastern Mixed Doubles Championship Nov. 15-18.

COMING UP: The Pete Wolfberg 16th annual championships are Saturday-Monday for juniors at the St. Petersburg Tennis Center. Call 823-2225. ... The 15th annual Frenchy's Gumbo Tennis Classic is Nov. 16-18 at the McMullen Tennis Complex. Sign up by Friday. Call 669-1919. ... A husband-wife tournament for combined ages 100 to 120 is Nov. 14-17 at the SPTC. Call 823-2225. ... The YMCA of the Suncoast Bardmoor Branch is staging a Round Robin Doubles Tournament Nov. 17 at Bardmoor Golf and Tennis Club with proceeds to benefit the YMCA's Financial Assistance program. Call 394-9622.

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 November 6, 2007, 22:55:58]