Tennis Talk : Local courts teeming with activity
Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2008
There is plenty of activity on the courts at the Kingsdale Tennis Center this summer. In addition to the usual groups enjoying the earlymorning cool, there are drills and lessons by Paul Pautsch and Kelli Russell, Kids'Camps and other events.
If you have been thinking about getting some good exercise, come on out and join the fun. You may enjoy it so much, you will join the Bella Vista Tennis Association and take part in its many social and tennis activities. Learn more about tennis in northwest Arkansas at www. nwabvta. com. The next BVTA gathering is Jimmy Buffett Night on Thursday, July 17. Starting time is 6: 30 p.m. This is always a good chance to don your favorite Margaritaville togs and let the memories roll.
• • • A new learning experience for youth was launched July 9. It's the Northwest Arkansas Junior Tennis League. Ages 8 to 18 are eligible to participate, and registration is only $ 15. The league will run through Aug. 27. Starting time is s 5 p.m. For more information, contact Paul or Kelli at 855-8®.
• • • August once more ushers in a benefit tournament for the Boys and Girls Club, the Exxon Mobil Summer Classic. This event should attract some strong players. Call the number above for details • • • As I walked up the sidewalk to the tennis shop a few days ago, who was working in the flower garden ? Shirley Hofman, of course. A few minutes later, in the shop, I asked how long she has been caring for the flowers. "Oh, maybe 10 years," she replied. She has been honored for her work before, but it's always time to say," Thanks, Shirley."
• • • I probably spent more time watching the Wimbledon tournament than I ever did watching any tournament before. The highlight, of course, was the championship match between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. The Associated Press called it "one of the greatest matches of any generation on the sport's grandest stage. "In addition to exciting tennis, it featured rain interruptions and approaching nightfall that threatened to delay the finish until the next day. With Nadal taking the first two sets, Federer fought back, winning the next two. Nadal won the title 9-7 in the fifth set. Both players were critical of the poor light conditions. Next on the major tournament calendar is the U. S. Open. It begins Aug. 25.
• • • Durand Young is a retired former sports writer and magazine editor who came to Bella Vista from South Dakota.
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