SaddleBrooke Tennis Club holds annual club championship

Jay Clayton Wilson

The 2016 Club Championship Tournament was directed by the tireless couple, Terry and Gary Rowell. It was an unqualified success.

Our championship tournament is the premier tennis event for STC as well as the entire SaddleBrooke community. That’s because our cherished desire to remain healthy during retirement has morphed into an exciting opportunity to challenge the aging process. For example, some of the tournament players were Rufus Renfrow who is 88 years young and Dick Quigg who is 85.

Over 70 players participated in the tournament which consisted of seventeen separate events including a unique division for in which the combined ages of the team totaled at least 140 years. This clearly demonstrated the intent to conduct an event for every category and every player’s skill level. Joe Schullik played in four different categories. Jim Abrahamson and Al Bush both played in three separate events. That’s a lot of exercise for those of us who are supposed to be retired.

There is a saying that married couples should not play golf or tennis together. That is untrue at STC. Cindy and Chris Madsen, Sue and Jay Morgan, Melanie and Ed Murphy and Kari and JD Davis competed as robust teams.

Such healthy recreation cannot happen in the absence of volunteers like Glen George, Carol Eisenbraun, Darrell Jackson and Cheryl Simpson.

Of utmost importance was the delicious potluck that was organized by Geri Sandilands. It brought all players and guests together after the last point had been played. Many members worked with her to provide BBQ burgers, dips of every imaginable variety, cold libations and a gathering of garden fresh salads. The potluck prep, set up, service and cleanup could not have happened without the invaluable help of many volunteers.

The celebration continued. Debbie McGeehan handed out the numerous awards while John Sochacki was the emcee, along with Debbie.

STC convincingly made the point that tennis is a grand sport in which every SaddleBrooke resident can participate for a healthy, enjoyable retirement.

And the winners were Joyce Johnson and Mike Hoedel won the 6.0 mixed doubles. Sue and Jay Morgan won the 6.5 level while Marje Valenti and Mike Romano took the 7.0 level. The coveted 8.0 mixed doubles level was won by Tina Huber and Jim Abrahamson. The men’s doubles was won my Dave Lamb and Riley Jackson in the 70 plus 7.0 level while Gary Rowell and Rob Schween won the 8.0 level. Congratulations to JoAnn Bosworth and John Sochacki who dominated in the 140 plus competition. Women’s doubles winners were Eleanor Geiger and Joyce Johnson at the 6.0 level while Kendall Thomas and Laura Ingold took the 7.0 level. Mens doubles winners were Gary Lippee and Craig Saunders in the 7.0 division; Walter Fritz and Dick Partridge won the prestigious 8.0 level. Finally the newly formed 8.5 division was dominated by Chris Madsen and Ed Murphy.

STC and the entire SaddleBrooke community thank all the players for their effort and enthusiasm. Well done!