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Stone
& Patty Smith Lead New Commonwealth League to Success
9/11/06
by Sara James
In
2004, frustrated that they were not able to participate in the winter
indoor mixed doubles league, Woodlake members Dave and Linda Scott drummed
up enough interest around Richmond to form a Richmond Commonwealth League.
The Richmond League became part of a Virginia-only mixed league that was
just one year old.
In
its first year, the Richmond league had a remarkable 46 teams and 572
players.
The
next year, Stone and Patty Smith took over as leaders of the Richmond area
Commonwealth League, bringing with them many years of experience
coordinating USTA leagues and enthusiasm for the sport.
This
past weekend, September 9th-10th, the Commonwealth League kicked off its
2006 season with a noticeable increase in team and player
participation.
"We
are very excited that the league has grown to 66 teams and approximately
800 players this year," said Patty, who also coordinates the USTA
Adult Weekend Leagues in Richmond.
"Richmond
has the largest league in Commonwealth Mixed, with Northern Virginia (and
its huge tennis base) a close second."
Patty
reports that Shenandoah, Virginia Beach and Lynchburg also have large
league participation, but nevertheless, Richmond teams did very well in
last year's competition.
The
Richmond team University of Richmond-Smith (yes, captained by Stone
himself!) won the 8.0 Commonwealth Championship for the 2005 season.
The Freeman-LaCroix 7.0 team, captained by Lila LaCroix, finished high as
well, taking 3rd in their division.
The
League runs from September to early November. Any club or
independent facility may form a team, but must have access to courts for
home matches. Players must have a rating, or self-rate to
participate, and must be at least 18 years old.
Any
questions regarding the Commonwealth Mixed League should be sent to cwleague@comcast.net.
League schedules, rules and other information can also be viewed at the
Smith's new USTA league related website at: www.richmondtennisleagues.com
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