The Rossmoor Challenge
By Randy Shaw
The Villages Tennis Club has a friendly, long-time rivalry with another 55+ community, Rossmoor, located in Walnut Creek. We compete twice a year – in April at their courts and in October at home. We have been fighting for supremacy for decades. The prize for victory is possession of the “plaque”. The current plaque dates back to 1987 (35 years) and I am told there is an earlier plaque somewhere. Could it possibly be on prominent display somewhere at Rossmoor? Inquiring minds want to know.
When the Villagers ventured north earlier this year, we were forced, unfortunately, to relinquish the plaque as our competitors prevailed. We were hungry for vengeance and I say this in nicest possible way. The tournament format consisted of 4 teams each for men’s, women’s and mixed doubles. When the dust settled, after 24 sets of competitive tennis, the scores were tallied and I was happy to report that the Villagers had scored an impressive victory with 17 sets won versus only 7 losses. Yes….The plaque is back!!!
This event was not all about tennis. It was also a very social gathering. Players and spectators were provided a sumptuous continental breakfast before play began. Coffee, orange juice, Betty’s scones, donut holes (my personal favorite), fruit, bagels, cheese, etc. … yum. After the competition, we fired up the grill for hamburgers which were served with various salads, more fruit, chips and cookies and a variety of beverages. What a feast!
A special thanks to everyone who helped make the event so successful. Among those who deserve special acknowledgement are Linda DuMont and the breakfast crew, Betty Olsen, Asra Batool and Sherry Benz for lunch, Glen Seidel our grill master with help from Doug Koenig. Again, thanks to everyone who pitched in.
2023 Tennis Club Executive Board Nominations
· President: Randy Shaw
· Vice President: Donna Gilmour
· Secretary: Roy Pennington
· Treasurer: Tina Parsley
· Tournament Director: Karen Hillis
· Hospitality Director: Linda DuMont
· Communication Director: Liz Kung
· Court Manager: Marty Funcell
· Master Scheduler: Akiko Giordano
· Membership: Penny Barcellos