The depth of this season’s Fort Myers Ritzman Tennis USPTA Pro League becomes evident as we examine the competition on Court #1 through mixed doubles. Every match holds the potential to go to a third-set tiebreak, and that makes for a really fun evening of tennis for members of the Fort Myers tennis community. So let’s take a look at what’s in store for those who come out to the Landings Yacht, Golf & Tennis Club this Friday the 21st at 4:00pm.
Court #1
The number one courts should generate the usual fireworks. Playing for AutoDrive, the team of Denny Rager (Lely) & Jared Kalpin (Landings) is always entertaining, and their matchup against Manuel Encalada (Cascades) & Tyler Owens (Fiddlesticks) of Boston Retirement should be a crowd pleaser. This one should be all about the artistry versus workmanlike skill. If you have ever seen Jared and Denny play, you will know which is which. If you haven’t seen them play, you might want to catch this one.
Mike Curran (Gulf Harbour) will team with his new assistant pro Sergio Rebolledo (Gulf Harbour), a recent Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) graduate, to play first position for Harborside Dental against Curran’s former partner Scott Harrington who is teamed with Shawn Hedrick (Strand), representing Johnny Malloy’s. July fourth may be a ways away, but there should be fireworks and other loud noises (in addition to Shawn’s mouth I mean- wink) during this skirmish.
Court #2
The hitting may not be as consistently hard on the #2 courts, but there should be plenty of action with the cast of characters at the #2 position. There will be huge forehand exchanges in the AutoDrive vs.Boston Retirement matchup when Elliott DeBolt (Vines) & Kevin Kearns (unaffiliated) take on Frank Fourgeau (Gulf Harbour) & Luke Andreae (Punta Gorda). Spectators in the line of fire for this one may want to wear helmets and vests, because incoming forehand missiles will abound.
Since the Landings is hosting this kickoff event, the feature match of the day on Stadium Court will showcase the ultra-quick and savvy Patrick Kangwa (Landings) and his experienced and skilled partner Jeff Diggs (Fiddlesticks), playing for Johnny Malloy’s, against the explosive (in more ways than one- another wink) Joel “Boom Boom” Hampton (Legends) and the always-active-at-net T. A. Niles (Unaffiliated) representing Harborside Dental. With the mixture of speed, savvy and power permeating this tussle, there should be no shortage of entertainment.
Court #3
Boston Retirement fields another strong team at #3, when Fred Hindle (Three Oaks) & Jim “Katman” Katterfield (Shadow Wood) take on John Jerome (Wildcat Run) & Alex Hermeto (Gateway) of AutoDrive. Katman is a wily vet who knows how to play dubs (we’re undefeated, by the way), and the word is that Fred is got his A-game working. Both John and Alex know how to play the game as well, and John tells me that he has beefed up his forehand to match that stellar backhand of his. This ought to be a close one and definitely worth watching.
Mike Lawver (Heritage Palms) & Mark Drons will play the third position for Harborside Dental against Todd Wise (Legends) & Peter Redpath (substitute) of Johnny Malloy’s. I haven’t seen Todd play yet, but I know that all three of the other players could easily play on the #2 court, so there’s good tennis to be had here. I don’t’ think I’ve ever beaten Lawver in doubles, Drons is a former partner of mine at #2 and a shotmaker, and there’s no better serve & volleyer in town than Redpath...amongst the over 40 group that is. I’m looking for a third-set breaker in this one.
Court #4
At the #4 slot for AutoDrive, Larry Gagnon (Plantation) & Rob Vinal (Dunes) will square off against Dave Dooley (Shadow Wood) & Rick Calton (Bonita Bay) of Boston Retirement. The only player I’ve seen recently is Gagnon, and his new knee is working really well for him. All I can say is I wish he was my partner.
Fran Coryell (South Seas) & Toni Halski (Sundial) will take the court for Harborside to face Steve Shortridge (Colonial) & Tom Fisher (substitute) who represent Johnny Malloy’s. The craftsmanship will be of the highest quality in this veteran affair. Given that Fisher put a whupping on my team last season at #2 doubles, and being very familiar with “Steady Steve,” I know my island guys are going to work to notch a “W” in this one. Ought to be fun either way.
Mixed Doubles
Terry See (Cypress Lake) & Carolyn Lawver will play mixed for AutoDrive versus Boston Retirement’s Jeff Timmer (Colonial) & Erica Cossairt (CC Racquet). Both Carolyn and Erica have strong shoulders and should be able to carry the dead weight…just kidding guys. Terry and Jeff have been playing doubles for decades and both have superb partners. Chances are good for another third set breaker here.
Dan Moenning (Punta Gorda) & Christie Bradley (Sanctuary) of Harborside Dental will have their hands full with the trimmed down team of Armor Persons (Breckenridge) & Kerry Kendrick (Casa y Bel) of Johnny Malloy’s. Armor is feeling and playing swell after shedding considerable poundage, and Kerry’s definitely playing lighter after delivering Mason (7lbs, 3oz), the newest addition to her family. Kerry probably still has her heavy groundstrokes though. Lighter or not, Christie’s has mucho game and Dan is just a gamer, so again, if this match isn’t a close one I’d be surprised.
We look forward to seeing you at the Landings this Friday. Remember, Pro League is all about the people who come to watch! Game, set, match…
