More November Tennis in Fort Myers!

Fort Myers Racquet Club in Daytona

Mike Stern

I’ve already admitted numerous times that I can’t keep up with all that we have going in the Greater Fort Myers tennis community (fortunately Robyn George of the News-Press has my back), and here is more evidence. In my November Tennis post, I forgot to mention that Fort Myers Racquet Club’s 7.5 Men’s Summer Senior Combo League team will be heading to Daytona, November 14 – 16 to represent our area in Sectional League Playoffs.

Tim McClary

In Daytona, Captain Mike Stern will lead a team of nine players against other teams from around the State. In addition to Stern, the players are Tim McClary, Matt Schmelter, EW Brockwell, Dave Coppin, Steve Romaine, Jack Dunmead, Jurjis Petrov, and Barry Speakman. Wish them luck!

Tennis Community Gives Back

The Fort Myers tennis community continues to step up to the plate when it comes to supporting worthy causes. In addition to the Annual Hope Hospice tournament at the Sanctuary tomorrow (see recent blog), there are other imminent efforts to support those in need on the horizon. Those efforts include the support of the men and women who have put themselves in harm’s way through their military service, and children who are less fortunate than we may be.

Round Robin for Troops at Three Oaks Park

This coming Sunday, November 11, from 2 – 4pm, Rib City will sponsor a round robin tennis event at the Barbara Manzo Tennis Center at Three Oaks Park. Hosted by the Lee County Community Tennis Association (LCCTA), proceeds from the event will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). According to the organization’s website, the WWP seeks to:

• Raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members
• To help injured service members aid and assist each other 
• To provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members

There will be round robin events for children 14-years-old and under, and for adults, with prizes and dinner included. The cost is $15 for adults (free for veterans) and $10 for children. To get in the game, please call 239-370-0240 or email sendclaudiamail@gmail.com.

Cypress Lake Tourney for Service Members

The effort to support service men and women continues on Sunday, November 18, at Cypress Lake Country Club, when the Men’s Rights Law Firm and Cypress Lake host the Hope for the Warriors Charity event.  The event includes Ladies and Men’s Doubles (3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5 – Open), appetizers, refreshments, and a silent auction.

Entry deadline for the event is Wednesday November 14, at 2pm. Entry fee for the tournament is $35 per player, and if you only want to support the event and share in the appetizer, refreshment and silent auction portion of the activities the cost is $20. To enter the event, stop by Cypress Lake Country Club or call Terry See at 239-851-6663.

Sponsorship Opportunities still remain. Silver Sponsors ($150) receive banner recognition, and Gold Sponsors will be listed as Court Sponsor’s and receive banner recognition as well. For sponsorship information, please call Anna Jordan at 239-287-0743.

Hope For The Warriors is an organization which seeks “to enhance the quality of life for post 9/11 service members, their families, and families of the fallen who have sustained physical and psychological wounds in the line of duty. Hope For The Warriors, a tax exempt 501(c3)(3) organization, is dedicated to restoring a sense of self, restoring the family unit, and restoring hope for our service members and our military families.”

Toys for Tots 

Toys for Tots donation station

Turning an eye towards the little ones, the USPTA’s 4^th annual Toys for Tots initiative (spearheaded by Shawn Hedrick), in support of the Toys for Tots Foundation, is underway. Our tennis community has been (pardon me here) "HUGE" in support of this effort in the past, and we hope that type of support will continue this time around.

To be a part of this effort, please bring a toy to one or all of the following Pro League events:

·        Pelican Landing- Friday November 16

·        Fiddlesticks- Friday November 30

·        The Landings- Friday December 14

If you cannot attend on one of those dates, please deliver any toys you might want to donate to your club professional. All of your USPTA pros appreciate your helping us contribute to this cause.

FGCU Fan Club Forming

Tianyu Bao gives serving clinic
to St. Matthews participatns

One final opportunity for giving, and this time the request is for a bit of your time and expertise. FGCU Men’s Tennis is making a major effort to become a more integral part of our tennis community, and they certainly have been doing their part to make that happen.

Fans at Grandezza event

In addition to bringing St. Matthews’ clients to campus, the Men’s Tennis Eagles have appeared at Grandezza, Pelican Landing, Shadow Wood (today), and will participate in the Naples-Fort Myers Challenge tomorrow. Having a premier college tennis program in our community can only be a boon, both socially and economically, to our area, and you can be a part of making that happen.

Wow! Did you see that!
Fans at Pelican Landing event

A group of dedicated tennis fans is coming together to form a fan club in support of the growth of FGCU’s Men’s Tennis program, and if you enjoy good tennis, want to get involved in building something special, becoming an FGCU Fuzz Fan might just be for you. This Wednesday, the 14^th at 5pm is the initial gathering of the group, and Coach Weber and his players would love to have you on board. Please call or email me (407-466-4652, taniles13@yahoo.com) if you would like to attend on the 14^th.

As Thanksgiving approaches, participating and contributing to the above efforts would be a terrific way for us to express our gratitude for the good fortune bestowed upon us. Thanks for your contributions! Game, set, match...T. A.