The Tournament that Wasn't

Words and pictures by Monique Seibel and Karen Brodersen

Spring weather is known for its capriciousness, but this year, after so little rain all winter long, who would have expected that the second tournament of the season—despite a theme of "April in Paris"—would be rained out? On the morning of Saturday, April 14, the roster of 19 players eagerly showed up for mixed doubles at Quay and Shorebird courts—all of them hoping that the threatening sky would allow them a grace period before releasing its burden. A fine drizzle began about 9 am, just as warm-ups were coming to a close.

The teams began to play hurriedly, hoping to finish at least one set. The quality of the tennis was thrilling—perhaps the adrenaline of rapid play sparked the early energy that carried them through the first game of the set, then the second. Midway through the third game, scattered raindrops were visible on the court surface. The players blinked the moisture away and kept playing determinedly, but by the fourth game the strategy of ignoring the weather proved to be futile. The courts were getting too slippery and the waterlogged balls too heavy. Then, suddenly, the clouds let loose with pelting rain, making quick work of "connecting the raindots" on the court. That's when tennis players know it's over. Gear was reluctantly packed up, and soaked players returned home. Mother Nature won the set and match.

Irene Muzio, the director for this tournament, recalled that the same thing happened to her tournament last year; she concluded that she obviously brought bad weather-luck and disqualified herself as a volunteer in the future.

By evening, the skies were brilliant and breezy as RSTC members gathered for the evening's feast chez les Jordans. Sumptuous appetizers, three chicken dishes, salads, and wonderful desserts of berry tarts and chocolate ganache rounded out the French theme. All agreed that the best-named dish, as well as the most authentically French one, was the Coq-au-Two-Buck-Chuck, contributed by Doug McCracken and Christian Nergaard.

Top: Irene Muzio smacks a backhand before the dots got connected.

Left: Partygoers (left to right) Paul Insel, Michele King, and Marie Horn sample the bounty at the social.

A Request from Joey Delgado

I am a volunteer tennis coach to 11-13 year old kids in San Leandro. None of these kids have ever hit a tennis ball or even own equipment of their own. It is unclear what their home lives are like but I suspect they don't get much financial support in the sports arena. The program is conducted through our City's Recreation Department and with school/city funds constantly shrinking, the equipment they provide are few and less than adequate. For example, I had 13 kids on the first day and only 8 racquets (Jr one at that and they were falling apart) and 3 cans of balls. I brought my used tennis balls just so they have some to share.

I would like to ask you and members of the club for any old tennis racquets or balls that you may not use any longer and are willing to donate to the kids. I will clean them up, string the racquets if needed and get these kids decent equipment to play with. They are not competitive at all (YET) and simply want to hit the balls around for fun so the racquets don't have to be anything special. I hope you can help and please know that there is no obligation here. Help only if you feel you want to and if you can.

Thank you for your consideration. Email or give me a call.

Joey

Joey Delgado
MAIN STRINGS
Tennis Racquet Stringing Service
http://www.mainstrings.com
(650) 867-0957

The Thing About Spring

The thing about Spring is that it rains, even on Saturdays, even on Tourney Days. This has a deleterious effect upon tennis. Our lawyers are researching responsibility and possible damages. Stay tuned for nothing but blue skies ahead.

RSTC SpringTime in Paris Tennis

Just some pictures so you can visualize this Saturday's big event. Go here to the RSTC eTennisPro site, log in... and et voila, duper superbe (super duper) and terril de bada (bada bing).

Pre-Easter Open Play

We have court time at Shorebird this Saturday, April 7th for Open Play. Good chance to for activity before any Sunday dinner plans. Drop in between 9 AM and 1-ish.