1/24/07: The Richmond Tennis Association's annual Anthem Challenge date has been moved from the first weekend in October to the last weekend in September. This year the Challenge will be held September 28-30, 2007.  The Westwood Club will again be the host. Salisbury Country Club will be in charge of running the tournament.

The Challenge weekend is one of the most anticipated tennis events of the year.  Twelve local clubs field teams to compete in rated doubles matches.  The club with the most points takes home the Challenge Cup.  

Several clubs are already gearing up to determine who will represent them at the Anthem Challenge.  Most clubs allow players to choose their own partners, with doubles teams competing in club round robins to determine the top teams.  However, some clubs are coming up with new methods in the hope of becoming more competitive. Last year, Robious Sports & Fitness used a Tennis Committee made of members and the pro staff to pair up players. "We moved up in the rankings this year, so we are trying it again," said Laura Tuchscherer, Robious Asst. Pro.  Players submit a list of three possible partners to the Tennis Committee, who then assigns the teams from the suggestions.  "This prevents players from feeling obligated to play with friends when another pairing would probably make more sense and be more competitive," explained Laura.  "Most everyone has been positive about it."

Willow Oaks's Lynn Bybee laughed when he recalled his club trying such an experiment a few years ago-- to a member revolt.  "Let's just say, it didn't work."

Joe Cappellino of The Dominion Club said, "We find that usually the best teams end up winning the round robin, and if we stay out of the business of putting teams together. If we see that someone hasn't signed up who we know is pretty good, our Anthem Challenge Committee gives them a call with names of people they can partner up with. Our Anthem Committee helps monitor and promote match play and oversee any problems. It seems to work pretty well and although we may not have the best team, we sure have a blast preparing for and playing the event."  

Like The Dominion Club, Salisbury Country Club lets the players decide on partners, with men's and women's doubles competing first, followed by mixed doubles.  "If players need partners the pros will make recommendations, but getting too involved can be dangerous," said Scott Steinour. The club posts a sign up poster as early as February 1st and hosts two spring socials where matches can be played.

"Hopefully all matches are finished by [the deadline]," said Scott.  However, he and other club pros have found that dealing with adults and busy schedules can be difficult at times.  "The only way our round robin matches work is if we assign an opponent and a two week period for the match to be completed.

"Otherwise, they are not capable of arranging it themselves."

Let's hope this isn't true again, people!  Good Luck!