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Letter to the editor

Schroeder wins title at state event

By NANCY MORGAN, Times Sports Correpondent
Published December 19, 2007

Jim Schroeder's first entry into the Florida Senior Games State Championships resulted in a singles title and a gold medal.

Staged in Cape Coral, Schroeder was among 1,717 athletes competing in 24 sports for those at least 50 years old in the 16th annual event.

"I started playing in the games early on in my 50s, and generally, I would play when they were around the area," said Schroeder, 66. "At the state tournament, I concentrated on singles and didn't play doubles."

Schroeder won both the men's 65-69 age division semifinal and final matches with scores of 6-2, 6-2.

Schroeder played on his high school team, but after graduation he gave it up to concentrate on work and family until he moved to St. Petersburg in 1981. Then, he wanted to stay in shape and started taking lessons from teaching professional Al Sarmiento. Now, he says he's satisfied with where his game is.

The semi-retired commercial real estate investor is a member of both the Shipwatch Tennis Club and the St. Petersburg Tennis Center. He participates in frequent weekly tennis action at both facilities.

Schroeder hasn't played in tournaments in the last couple of years, but plans to enter more in 2008 while reducing his frequency of league play.

Next year's state games will qualify the top three finishers for the 2009 national games, which are scheduled to be played on the UCLA campus.

LEAGUE NEWS: Gearing up for next month's USTA Florida Combo Sectionals are local adult league winners Eastlake Woodlands 6.5, Countryside 7.5 and Royal Racquet 8.5 for the women, and Countryside 6.5 and 7.5 and McMullen 8.5 for the men.

In senior combo action, local league winners include Treasure Island 6.5, and St. Petersburg Tennis Center 7.5 and 8.5 for the women, and Treasure Bay 6.5 and McMullen 7.5 for the men.

- Claiming division wins in a Fall Mixed Doubles League were Countryside 7.0 and Eastlake 8.0 in adult action and Treasure Island 7.5 in super senior competition.

Playing for Treasure Island were captain Marlene Mokracek, Diane and Roger Pryor, Les Spang, Dolores Hayman, Susan Hobbs, Gisela Leyva, Hank Houser, John Meyer, Tim Kahle and Andris Cakarnis.

BEACH TENNIS: More than 100 participants attended a free Beach Tennis Tampa Bay exhibition at Countryside.

Beach tennis combines beach volleyball and tennis. It's played on a regulation beach volleyball court with a 6-foot, 2-inch net. With a regular tennis racket, the ball is served diagonally across the net - with just one chance to get it in - and then only volleys are allowed.

For more details, go to www.usabeachtennis.com.

TOURNEY OF CHAMPS: The Suncoast Tennis Foundation is hosting its sixth annual Tournament of Champions on Jan. 18-20 at Eastlake Woodlands. Eligible players are winners, finalists, semifinalists and consolation winners from charity tournaments Frenchy's, Eastlake Woodlands Memorial Day, Stroke for Stroke, Humane Society of North Pinellas, Pretty in Pink and the fifth annual Tournament of Champions.

Cost is $45 per person for one event, and all players are guaranteed at least two matches. Register online at www.ourtennis.net. For questions, contact tournament director Rick Workman at 785-2212.

COMING UP: The New Year's Super Series begins Dec. 28 at Seminole Lake Tennis Center. Call 394-1733. ... The Dan Sullivan Homecoming Invitational is 1 to 4 p.m. on Dec. 29 at the St. Petersburg Tennis Center. 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 December 18, 2007, 21:34:24]