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THE
2007 MID-ATLANTIC CLAY COURT CHAMPIONSHIP
SETS A NEW STANDARD
7/10/07
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Page 5 / Finals
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With
a $5,000 bigger purse than last year, the Clay Court Championship brings in
stronger talent at the top ..... Who needs to travel to majors with this in
town?
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view from the stacked level sponsor tent-- offering gentle breezes from
portable fans, along with snacks and beer-- definitely makes a person
want to be a sponsor of this fantastic tournament. |
Wimbledon
was fantastic to watch, but if you really want to enjoy some tennis, plan to
come out to the Mid-Atlantic Clay Court Championships that are being held this
week at Salisbury Country Club.
As
a player, there's plenty of money to be had, if you can make it far
enough. As a fan, there's plenty of potential for shock and awe, with a
current member of the women's pro tour in the draw, as well as a men's circuit
player who has been ranked as high as 162nd in the world. And for
those who enjoy following the local talent, there are a good number of
well-known favorites participating for the fun and experience.
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Check
out what's new
This
tournament only gets bigger and better every year.
According
to Scott Steinour, Director of Tennis at Salisbury and the tourney director, new
sponsors coming on board and several sponsor upgrades helped add to this year's
$25,000 purse.
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Every
little detail has been well attended to |
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New
lighting around the brick paved paths, separate sponsor and food service tents,
a mist tent offering "do it yourself" snow cones, and easy to follow
signage are all welcome additions. Hugh Waters has helped organize
groups of ball boys and girls from local clubs who will be assisting on courts
later in the week.
The club
looks and acts like it takes this tournament very seriously. And with a
goal to become "The" premier tennis event in the Mid-Atlantic, it very
well might-- if it hasn't already!
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Top-level sponsors
are able to have dedicated court signage throughout the week-long
tournament. |
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Bill
Barnes, McDonald's franchisee and a Title Sponsor is full of
enthusiasm about the future of this event.
"We've
got a lot of great sponsors who have committed to making the
tournament even better next year," he said.
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"They
do it first class in this tournament," said Midlothian resident
Bob Radke.
That's
what Bill Barnes likes to hear. |
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As
part of the tournament's commitment to the local community, a clinic for
junior players was held at Salisbury's indoor courts with proceeds
benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charity of Richmond.
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The
event raised more than $1,000.
Proceeds
will go to help families of sick children who need a place to stay while
their child is in the hospital.
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With
temperatures in the high 90s and humidity about as high, it's always a
relief to take a break in the misting tent.
This
year, a snow cone machine is a welcome sight. Fifty cents of the purchase price benefits the Ronald McDonald House local
charity.
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