Civic League to host kids' tennis tournament

Seven-year-old Anna Zellers works on her forehand during the Quickstart tennis program Monday at the DePauw indoor tennis facility as Elle Patterson waits her turn. In addition to learning the fundamentals of the game at Quickstart, children will have the chance to test their skills at the Greencastle Civic League's kids' tennis tournament July 9-10.

The Greencastle Civic League recently announced its inaugural tennis tournament for kids in Putnam County. The tournament will be held on July 9-10 starting at 9 a.m. at the DePauw University outdoor courts. It is open to kids between the ages of 7-18.

All participants will receive a T-shirt and there will be trophies and medals for age-division winners. All ability levels are welcome, and beginners are especially encouraged to sign up as there will be tournament workers available to help the younger participants keep score.

The tournament is a fundraiser for the Civic League, which is in the development stage of plans to add a Spray Park to the community. All proceeds from the tournament will go directly toward this project. The entry fee for singles is $10 plus a new can of tennis balls. The doubles entry fee is $16 per team plus a new can of balls.

The idea for the tournament arose after seeing the success of the QuickStart Tennis program held for the past three summers. Scott Riggle, the DePauw men's and women's tennis coach, and Sally Martin, the GHS girls' varsity coach, have teamed up to run a successful QuickStart tennis program for kids, and the Civic League would like to provide an opportunity for kids to test their skills, compete and have fun.

Kids ages 10 and under will play according to the QuickStart format, which means they will use a smaller court and low-compression balls that are easier to hit as they are lighter and do not bounce as high. They will play the best 2 out of 3 four-game sets.

All other age divisions will play the best 2 out of 3 six-game sets on a full-size court with regular tennis balls.

Entry forms are available at City Hall, Putnam County Public Library, Putnam County Museum and on the Banner Graphic online classified.

The entry forms can also be found online at www.centralindiana.usta.com/events/greencastle_civic_league_junior_tennis_tourna....

The deadline for entry is July 6.

The tournament is sponsored by Advantage Financial, Matt Welker All-State Insurance, Case Chiropractic, First Financial Bank, Greencastle Pediatric Dentistry, Hometown Dental, Marvin's and Putnam County Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Council.

Anyone with questions about the tournament should call Jamey Landry at 655-2466.