The Davenport City Tournament FINALS

5/21/07: Part of the fun of watching doubles tennis is having a little information about what is happening behind the scenes. That is why I sat next to Gretchen Steinour's sister, Laura, during the Mixed Doubles Final.

Laura Tuchscherer, who is an Assistant Pro at Robious, offered entertaining running commentary during Sunday's match. She has a lot to say about everything.

Gretchen and Scott Steinour, the Director of Tennis at Salisbury Country Club, played another husband-wife team, Bridget & Kevin Reichert. The final was held immediately after the Men's Singles Final, but it might as well have been Wednesday. It was 3:00 -- lunchtime -- I suppose, so the sardines left the can.

What was left of The Crowd enjoyed some really fun tennis, and some instruction on taking social family tennis to the competitive level. Note the kissing, above. That's what you do when you are defeated 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. You do not glare at your partner. You do not roll your eyes. You do not scream 'Nice double faults, partner!'

The Steinours have been married awhile. The Reicherts are fairly-newlyweds. The four demonstrated not only some of the most awesomest high-speed volley exchanges ever seen in Richmond, but how to treat your partner with class. Even if, especially if, it is your spouse.

It's been awhile since Gretchen Steinour has played competitive tennis. After appearing a bit nervous in the first few games, she hit her stride, loving the fast paced shots delivered by the Reicherts. She played with a racquet with a heart design on the strings.

Laura wasn't referring to her sister personally, but to Gretchen's well-punched volley winner hit dead smack between Bridget and Kevin.

There were plenty of those, but still not enough of them to make a difference. The Reicherts hit hard, hit smart, moved fast, moved perfectly together in the next two sets. Gretchen's early enthusiasm seemed to waiver by the middle of the third set. "I need to whip her into shape," said Laura. "I'm going to get her a personal trainer."

Bridget could be somebody's personal trainer. She will be adding newspaper clippings to her scrapbook this year: City Singles Champion. Mixed Doubles Champion.

This clipping though, she gets to share with somebody else. When it's your spouse -- how much more fun could it be?

2007 Mixed Doubles Champions
Kevin & Bridget Reichert

It was a little hot, but a perfect day to watch tennis....

and people and dogs! at Byrd Park.