Photos by TJ Duffy
Jay Clayton Wilson
In February a bright ray of nostalgia illuminated the STC Tennis Center. First on the courts was John McEnroe, followed by Chris Evert, Bjorn Borg, Rod Laver and—wait. That’s impossible. Those were the great players of the 70s. How could they be at STC this winter? Closer examination revealed STC’s most imaginative members who had disguised themselves and dressed for the part at the club’s grand Vintage Tennis Social Party.
Tina Huber and Tami Graeber graciously organized the event with seasoned expertise while Debbie McGeehan served as the master of ceremonies.
It was a grand party. Reminiscent of those carefree days in 1970, members got together to play mixed doubles on Saturday afternoon in the warmth of the Arizona sun. Following the matches everyone met on the cleverly decorated STC patio for well-earned adult beverages and at least 30 different dips and snacks, all provided by our wonderful volunteers. Among the snacks were four different 1970 style fondue pots filled with aromatic cheeses and irresistible chocolate.
Debbie took the microphone to introduce John Sochacki who was well disguised as John McEnroe. He even acted the part by ranting and raging and acting grumpy. Club President Darrell Jackson looked exactly like hair-blown Borg. Well, let’s make that Borg at age 70 plus rather than the 25-year-old star of his era. What a fun party it was.
Then Debbie introduced some of the club’s most valuable and appreciated members. These are the men who are nationally certified as professional tennis instructors. She gave them some old wooden tennis rackets and sent them to the courts to play an exhibition match. STC is blessed by the generosity of Chris Madsen, Gene McGeehan, Pat Maurer, Jim Ward, TJ Duffy and John Sochacki who have spent much of their lives teaching the game to all levels of players and who, in retirement, devote their considerable talent to giving free group lessons on the amazing SaddleBrooke courts. In their spare time they also offer private lessons for a very reasonable fee. Like the terroir of great wine, STC is the vineyard of fine members like our professional tennis instructors.
Life in the desert would not be the same without the SaddleBrooke Tennis Club. The life of the club would not be the same without the many members who volunteer to set up the tables and chairs, decorate the patio, provide table cloths, bring the ice, serve the drinks, make Moscow Mules, find old recipes for fondue, prepare a variety of southwestern style snacks, provide website support and serve the tables. We are talking about special members like Carol Eisenbraun, Pam and Darrell Jackson, Mary Jo George, Fred Graeber, Eric Huber, Riley Jackson, Jill and Mike Duckett.
Everyone knows that STC is dedicated to the health and enjoyment of all SaddleBrooke residents. STC is the venue for fun in the outdoors. To join us just call Membership Chair Connie Kacer, (825-7585) or the STC office (825-0255). It’s that easy.