USPTA at Eau Gallie: Finals Day

Note: If you would like to skip the commentary and just get to the results, just scroll down. Thanks to Mike Baldwin and Milos Vasovic for photographic contributions! For additional photos, click here Now here's my take...

Ron & T A team up in Pro Am

Day 2 of the USPTA Florida Fast Dry & 10S Supply Grand Prix Circuit at Eau Gallie Yacht Club was even more enriching for me than Day 1. The day began with the usual Finals Day Pro-Am, but somehow this Pro-Am didn’t feel “usual.” 

Eau Gallie Pro-Am a Blast

Stacy McHenry, Ted Parker, Scott & Deb Kemps  

Generally the Pro-Ams are pleasant affairs, with the members and pros sharing some fun, but competitive, interaction on court.

Pro Am participants

I typically have a good time at these events, but I had an especially satisfying time playing with Eau Gallie members Stacy McHenry, Scott Kemps, Ron Askeland & Ted Parker against Rich Boysen, a professional who regularly shares his knowledge at Eau Gallie.
   

Niles & Neuhart Again in 50s

The Pro-Am alone would have made my day, but I had another opportunity to face my biggest (in more ways than one) on-court rival in Greg Neuhart in the Men’s 50 Singles Final.

Greg Neuhart

It was the second time in three weeks that we had met, and the second time that I escaped with the “W.” This time, I squeaked out a 7-6, 6-4 victory, while the previous one went three sets (click here for details).

Virginia Toledo & Greg. 
Told ya he was big!

Of course, both “W’s” have asterisks next to them, because Greg’s elbow is still putting a hurt on him and his usually devastating serve. But I’m taking “W’s” any which way I can get em these days. Not sure how many more are in the cards given my own physical challenges. 


Kudos to Eau Gallie Members     

Yep, winning’s great, but you know what made the match special: The participation of Eau Gallie’s members, and Greg’s battle to control his frustration. We chose to play our match away from the main viewing area, but in a cozy corner court with a shaded grandstand. 

John Heiss & Scott McHenry

Fewer than ten members came to watch, but the commentary, the banter, and the encouragement were worth more than a crowd ten times larger. I don’t know how much Greg appreciated their presence, but they sure made the experience memorable for me.  

Eau Gallie members take in the action

I’m guessing that the member turnout and participation contributed to the experiences of the other event participants as well. Speaking of the other participants, let’s take a look at how things played out in the different divisions on Finals Day.


Turnquist & Morales Win Open & 45s

Erik Turnquist & Jay Grollman

In the Men’s Open, Erik Turnquist defeated Jay Grollman 7-6, 6-1 with Eau Gallie members loudly expressing their pleasure at the proceedings. 

John Morales

The crowd was treated to a terrific Final in the Men’s 45 Singles Division, in which John Morales out-dueled Stan Oley, 6-1, 4-6, 6-3.

Maharaj Takes 60s

In the Men’s 60s, Gewan Maharaj continued his dominion over that division, defeating Steve Shortridge 6-3, 6-0. Maharaj then teamed with Mike Dickens to beat Shortridge and Bill Davidson in 60 Doubles, 6-0, 6-2. In the Men’s 50 Doubles, Greg and I faced Steve and Mike and took it 6-1, 6-1.

Boysen & Davis Claim 40 Dubs

John Morales & Mike Baldwin

Although Rich Boysen and Paul Davis had already clinched the Men’s 40 Doubles title the day before, the spectators had the pleasure of witnessing a spirited battle for Finalist honors.  In that contest, Mike Baldwin and John Morales downed Stan Oley and Rich Oswald 1-6, 6-3, 6-3. 

Doesn't Stan look Unhappy?

I can tell you that Stan was not a happy camper post battle, having gone down twice to John in three sets that day! It was a big day for Mike, as he also took second-place honors in the Men’s 35 Singles by posting a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Ed Shanapy.

Appreciation

Milos runs the show

After the matches, I spent a few moments chatting with Eau Gallie’s members, and they were enthusiastically planning for next year’s event already! What a great group of tennis fans! In addition to the “Job well done” earned by Milos, his staff, and Mike Baldwin, we can’t forget those who helped make it happen financially.

Event Sponsors

There would be no events without the circuit's title sponsors, USPTA Florida, Fast Dry Courts (FDC), and 10S Tennis Supply, so major gratitude to these folks. The circuit receives additional support from USTA Florida, Welch Tennis, Giliberti Inc., Stan Oley Tennis Equipment and The Wimbledon Experience. 
Despite all of the above, there would be no events if there was no venue support at the local level.

Steve Ryland

Shay Rowe

At Eau Gallie, Steve Ryland of Beachside Physical Therapy, and Shay Rowe of Mercedes-Benz of Melbourne came up big in support of the event, and I know they have Milos’ gratitude and certainly mine! I hope I’m able to make the trek across the State again next year!

Below are results of the divisions played. Click here if you would like to view all tournament draws and info. Until next time; game, set, match...T. A.

Event Results

Women’s 45 Singles

Carolyn Franca

Sabita Maharaj

Champion- Sabita Maharaj

Finalist- Carolyn Franca

Final Score- 7-6; 4-6; 10-6

Men’s Open Singles

Erik Turnquist & Jay Grollman

Champion- Erik Turnquist

Finalist- Jay Grollman

Final Score- 7-6, 6-1

Men’s 35 Singles (Round Robin)

Milos Vasovic & Mike Baldwin

Champion- Milos Vasovic

Second Place- Mike Baldwin

Men’s 45 Singles

Champion- John Morales

Finalist- Stan Oley

Final Score- 6-1, 4-6, 6-3

Men’s 50 Singles

Champion- T. A. Niles

Finalist- Greg Neuhart

Final Score- 7-6, 6-4

Men’s 60 Singles

Gewan Maharaj &
Steve Shortridge

Champion- Gewan Maharaj

Finalist- Steve Shortridge

Final Score- 6-3, 6-0

Men’s 40 Doubles (Round Robin)

John Morales & Mike Baldwin

Champions- Rich Boysen & Paul Davis

Second Place- Mike Baldwin & John Morales

Men’s 50 Doubles

Champions- T. A. Niles & Greg Neuhart

Finalists- Steve Shortridge & Mike Dickens

Final Score- 6-1, 6-1

Men’s 60 Doubles

Champions- Gewan Maharaj & Mike Dickens

Finalists- Steve Shortridge & Bill Davidson

Final Score- 6-2, 6-0

Mixed Doubles

Paul Davis & Sabita Maharaj

Champions- Sabita Maharaj & Paul Davis

Finalists- Carolyn Franca & Ed Shanaphy,

Final Score- 6-1, 6-3