Valentine’s Day Tournament - Feb. 16, 2008
The Valentine’s Day Tournaments of previous years set the standard for this year’s tournament and the result was simply enjoyable!

There were some minor logistical obstacles such as the insurance policy expiration, the budget, and choices that had to be made regarding food and awards. During the week prior to the tournament the Big Three, Beth, Doris, and Mary Ann, conferred with each other online, and devised a strategy to smooth the way for this enjoyable event.

The sun emerged from the overcast sky at about tournament time and produced a blue sky that remained for the rest of the day. The Big Three arrived about a half hour early along with me and shortly thereafter Lynn Hunton arrived with the convenience wagon. The set up began. Then arrived the 40 participants who made up the 10 teams and would compete for the high score and prizes. Everyone had entered online and once they had checked in at the desk and paid their fees they were directed to the courts with score sheets and team assignments and they began 3 rounds of enjoyable competitive tennis.

About 3 hours later, when the 3 rounds were completed, everyone gathered around the buffet tables to enjoy tri-tips, salads, fruits, breads, desserts and assorted soft drinks and communed on the LAHS green field in chairs or sitting on the grass. It was a tennis community at its finest moment in peace and contentment. 

At the conclusion of the meal, the prizes of See’s Valentine’s Day chocolates were awarded to the 3 top teams and their pictures were taken under the LATC banner by photo designee Bill Watt.
In third place with a score of 32 games were David Beronio, Naomi Vargas, Greg Schwartz, and Diane Detig.
In second place with a score of 36 games were Madan Venugopal, Jerre Bryn, Rodney Holbert and Jessica Lange. The team with the high score of 42 games was no stranger to the banner ceremony, having been there at an earlier tournament. They were Jon Saxe, Myrna Marshall, Bob Pearl, and Judy Gentry.

Treasurer Doris Lehr dismissed the group with a thank you and an invitation for our next tournaments, the Mother’s Day tournament in May, and then our grand fundraiser for the Relay for Life in June.

The response from the group was a hearty round of applause. At the end of the day, everyone was grateful for a wonderful day.