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Ex-NFL player gets back into tennis

By NANCY MORGAN, Tennis
Published December 26, 2007

When Keith Lyle retired from professional football five years ago, he began a search for a sport that would provide competition and somewhat similar movements to that of a defensive safety.

Lyle, 35, wasted little time getting re-involved in tennis, a sport he and his twin brother learned as kids from their dad, Garry, who was a professional football player in 1964-1974 with the Chicago Bears.

This year, Lyle has played three seasons in the Ultimate Tennis League, winning the past two.

Lyle played recreational tennis through his youth until focusing on football -in college at Virginia and a 10-year pro career with the Rams, Redskins and Chargers. After retiring in 2002 with a Super Bowl ring Rams, 1999, Lyle returned to tennis, whichbecame his outlet for competition and running.

"I've always been a big fan of all sports, and enjoyed watching Roger Federer and all those guys," Lyle said. "... Athleticism is definitely an asset, but it's not all about athleticism in tennis, but about shot-making. ... Athleticism can save a game, but you have to also look at the intangibles. Just like in football, it's not just about speed and strength, but it's the intangibles, like instincts, where you make the right decision and then make the right shot."

Lyle's biggest challenge when he began playing competitive matches was getting in shape when he faced 20-year-old opponents.

After just one lesson, Lyle registered for the singles league. Starting in the 3.5-minus division in the spring, he advanced and won the 3.5 in the summer. Earlier this month, he collected another division win in the 4.0-minus to advance to the upcoming season in 4.0.

"I think everyone likes to see progress, and when you notice it, that's good and it motivates you," Lyle said.

NET SHOTS: Last month, the Willis S. Johns Recreation Center hosted a ralleyball jamboree for beginning players in the 14-and-under and 12-and-under age divisions. The event was sponsored by Premier Tennis in St. Petersburg and coordinated by Julie Panton with volunteers coaches Rob Delgado and Charles Melin.

- The newly formed Global Community Tennis Association, a non-profit organization created to promote multicultural communities through tennis, is a registered member of the U.S. Tennis Association. Activities are scheduled to begin next month. For more info, e-mail Panton atjulikens@verizon.net

LEAGUE NEWS: A USTA Adult Combo women's 6.5 league will begin next month. The league will include only local competition with no playoffs or sectional action. Contact league coordinator Norm Ott at 526-7966 or nott@tampabay.rr.com

- At the holiday break, Feather Sound Country Club is first among 14 teams in the Satellite Ladies Doubles League. The 2006 league champ Feather Sound is one point ahead of defending champ Shipwatch Tennis Club. Tied for third-place are Eastlake Woodlands and Bardmoor. The Tuesday league resumes Jan. 15.

- Defending champ St. Petersburg Tennis Center I is first in the Pinellas Area Doubles League. Competing among 27 teams, SPTC I has recorded 127 points, compared to second-place Racquet Club I (120), who is followed closely by Belleair I with 119. The Thursday league resumes Jan. 10.

COMING UP: The New Year's Super Series begins Friday at Seminole Lake Tennis Center. Call 394-1733. ... The Dan Sullivan Homecoming Invitational is 1-4 p.m. on Sunday at the St. Petersburg Tennis Center. Call 823-2225.

Pinellas Area Doubles League, Dec. 13 results

Feather Sound d. Belleair II 6-5; Eastlake III d. St. Petersburg CC 6-5; Belleair I d. Treasure Island 9-2; McMullen I d. Bardmoor I 7-4; St. Petersburg Tennis Center II d. Vinoy II 7-6; Royal Racquet III d. Vinoy I 6-4; Bardmoor II d. Royal Racquet I 8-3; Racquet Club II d. Bardmoor III 7-4; Spa d. McMullen II 10-1; Countryside II d. Eastlake I 10-1; St. Pete Tennis Center I d. Racquet Club I 9-4; Countryside I d. Innisbrook 6-5; Eastlake II tied Shipwatch 6-6.

[Last modified December 25, 2007, 21:00:29]