Short Court Snippets

So there's wayyyyy too much going on for me to keep up with, and still have a teeny little bit of a life for myself...but I'm gonna give it the ole college try...Oh yes, and let's not forget that we're about to trip over Thanksgiving. I thought about heading over to Boca to play the Turkey Bowl, but I think I'll lay low this holiday...would have just been a gobble anyway... So what's happening?

Armor Pierced


Our very own Armor Persons of Breckenridge rode into Boca Raton on his trusty steed to play the Men’s 55 Division of USTA Florida’s State Closed Championship at Boca Pointe last week. He charged into the fray with shield high, lance at the ready, and conquered his first foe with consummate ease. Brian who? Oh yes, that was Brian Garr of Boca who fell victim to Armor’s deadly thrusts, 6-0, 6-0.

Ah, but then Armor had the misfortune of jousting with Sir Joe Rasgado, a long-time champion of Florida’s crushed-rock battlefields (uh, that’s clay, in case you were wondering). Though he charged with all his might and skill, Armor fell to Sir Rasgado, 1-6, 1-6. Bob Green of Pelican Preserve played the Men’s 60 Division but lost to Tim Farwell (4-6, 1-6), who was a finalist in the event.

Shreiners Shine at USTA National Father-Son



Also representing our tennis community last week were Steve Shreiner Sr. and son Brent (actually Steve Jr.) who played the USTA National Senior & Super Senior Father-Son Clay Court Championships in Sarasota this past weekend. Things looked good for the Shreiners when they jumped out to a 6-2 lead over the Stambaughs of North Carolina in their first match, but I suspect Shreiner Jr. must have petered out (just kidding Brent, but I happen to know that Steve is in great shape) cuz they dropped the next 3-6, and lost a 10-4 super-tiebreak third.

The Shreiners took out their frustration on the first team they faced in consolation, notching a 6-0, 6-1 win. They then cruised to a 6-2, 6-2 win, before falling to a couple of Lackeys from South Carolina…I’m serious this time. Steve and Brent took a tough 7-5 first set from Tom & Thomas Lackey, then lost the final two, 2-6, 3-6. The Shreiners may not have returned home with one of the coveted National Championship balls, but it was a great showing for a father-son team that hasn’t played together but once in 15 years. I’m sure both were thankful for the opportunity to rekindle their bond on the court.

LCCTA Demonstrates Community Sprit



The Lee County Community Tennis Association (LCCTA) is partnering with the USTA and The Club Tennis Junior Academy at Hancock Park Tennis Center to Adopt-a-Military-Unit of approximately 75-100 men and women serving in Afghanistan. LCCTA will forward care packages and portable tennis equipment from the USTA to the adopted unit. According to Sharon Benner, one of the LCCTA’s Board of Directors, “The effort allows the tennis community to show support of those serving our country and to introduce soldiers to a recreational means for reintegrating with family, friends and community upon their return from conflict.”

You can show your support for the effort by donating packages of beef jerky/slim jims, sunflower seeds and nuts (individually wrapped), protein or granola bars, powdered drink mixes, tuna in foil bags, socks (tube or crew), personal or baby wipes, 4 oz. hand sanitizers, letters of support, travel size shampoo, soap, shaving cream and toothbrushes, lip balm, money for postage, or money for volunteers to purchase items on your behalf. To donate items or money, please bring to Coach Bob Nelson at the Hancock Courts or contact Sharon Benner bsharontom@comcast.net or 239-997-7853.

Land Sharks Tennis Sponsors El Niňo

This little guy might not cause any weather problems but he soon will be causing some problems on the court. Philippe Antonio Nino will be one of the juniors representing Southwest Florida at the Boys 12's and under at the Eddie Herr International Junior Tennis Championships to be held in Bradenton, Florida on November 26th, 2011.

In addition to his on-court skill, Philippe's efforts in the classroom suggest that he has some off-court talents as well. According to Orlando Ferrer Chacin of Land Sharks Network, LLC (LSN), Philippe, a sixth-grader, is in the gifted student program at Pine Ridge Middle School in Naples. It is this combination of skills, in addition to his already incredible life story, that led LSN to sponsor Philippe's participation at ITF and USTA sanctioned event. For more on his story, check out Land Sharks Tennis Network.

Halski Lands on Beachview
If you haven't heard, this is absolutely newsworthy! After 28 years, countless court hours, and innumerable constructed and reconstructed tennis strokes, Toni Halski has left Sundial Beach & Golf Resort on Sanibel to assume the helm at Beachview Golf & Tennis, also on Sanibel. Toni may venture off the island for Pro League every fortnight, but tennis near the beach is his obvious love. Cheers to you Toni and keep the sand outta ya shorts!

Barclay’s ATP World Tour FinalsIf you are into the pro game, the ATP Tour began its season-ending event in London today. The event is a round robin format, featuring the players who finished in the top eight of this year’s singles and doubles rankings, playing in two flights of four players/teams each.

Players/teams with odd-number rankings in the top eight are in one flight and players with even number rankings in the top eight are in the other. It is always interesting when Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and the other top men mix it up, and the Bryan brothers are always fun to watch as well.
The competition has gotten off to a hot start, with both Federer and Nadal needing three sets to claim victory in their first match. Federer notched a 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 win over Jo Willie Tsonga, and Nadal almost let the big one get away, snagging Mardy Fish, 6-2, 3-6, 7-6.  

Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, and the Bryan brothers are on the schedule today, so program those DVRs or catch it live. I’m definitely going to try to catch some of this one.  Click here if interested. Game, set, match, T A....