AVALON  HOSTS THE 1ST ANNUAL RECREATION CLUB CHALLENGE
With Kanawha and Ridgetop participating 
October 6-7, 2007
by Sara James

Avalon wins with 68 points, Ridgetop comes in 2nd with 58, Kanawha finishes with 54 

When Rob Johnston was a pro at Brandermill Country Club in Midlothian, his team looked forward to participating in the Richmond Tennis Association's annual Anthem Challenge held at Westwood Club every fall.

The Recreation Club Challenge Cup will reside
with Avalon Club for 2007-2008

"The Anthem Challenge is a great opportunity for the larger clubs," said Johnston.  As the newly installed Director of Tennis at Avalon, a swim and tennis facility near the Collegiate School, he rallied his members around the idea of challenging for a spot as one of the 12 participating Anthem clubs.

In late 2005, Johnston's "new" club, Avalon, challenged Johnston's "old" club, Brandermill, for a chance to compete with the big boys in Fall, 2006.

Brandermill defeated Avalon and retained its status as an Anthem Challenge team, but Johnston was not easily deterred.  Last winter, he decided to create a tournament for the smaller, seasonal tennis facilities.

"Our club members worked hard to make this a success," said Johnston.  And he did, too. Over a period of several months, Rob contacted other area recreation centers & clubs to ascertain their enthusiasm for the project.  Initially, over 6 clubs expressed an interest in sending teams.  Among them:  Avalon, Kanawha, Ridgetop, Richmond Country Club, Bon Air and Canterbury.  

After the date and format were set, three clubs dropped out, citing scheduling issues, leaving Avalon, Kanawha and Rigetop committed to participate.  Johnston said that the other three facilities have definite plans to send teams in 2008.

A Perfect Inaugural Event

Over a two day period, the three clubs played matches to determine men's, women's and mixed doubles champions at levels 2.5 to 4.5.   At the end of Day One, Avalon led with 29 total points; Ridgetop and Kanawha were tied with 20 points.

"We couldn't have asked for better weather," said Johnston on Sunday, as the final matches played behind him on the Avalon hard-courts.  "Or for more competitive matches."

Johnston expressed thanks to the sponsors, who came through to make the event possible, as well as to the volunteers.  "The Carli kids (Will and Jack) worked hard at the tournament desk.  Sue Gillenwater did a great job with the women's team and fundraising.  Pat Anderson and Kerri Rhodes were instrumental in getting Ridgetop here."

As a result of the excitement preceding the tournament, Johnston said he had noticed an appreciable  increase in court activity.  "I heard that Kanawha's courts have been totally packed," he said. "Ours, too.  Avalon has been gung-ho for this since the start."

"It's been a great Inaugural Event. Next year we hope to need more than these 8 courts," said Johnston.  

"This is the best thing to happen to adult tennis since I've been at the club [Kanawha]," agreed Will Carli.

"It's really fostered neighborliness among the clubs," said Sue Gillenwater.  "We're all lucky to have Rob in our vicinity."

Click here for rosters and more

Sue Gillenwater, Kanawha
                                                                     photo by Rob Johnston

 


Pat Anderson, and Ridgetop team members
                                                   photo by Rob Johnston

 

 

                                                                               photo by Rob Johnston




Avalon on Sunday afternoon

 

 

 


 

 'HOME'