NEWS RELEASE
ORILLIA TENNIS CLUB
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The Men’s Doubles Championships were held last Saturday, Sept. 16 at the West Orillia Sports Complex.
After a week of rain that seem to threaten the tournament, it was a perfect day for tennis with moderate temperatures and clear skies. It was the second event for the Month of Doubles sponsored by the Orillia Tennis Club. Annually the club runs their Club Championships.
There are two tournaments run for each of the doubles formats so that all levels of players from beginners to intermediate and experienced can play in friendly competition. The real goal is to come together as a club and to showcase to the community some of the best live tennis in the region.
The winners of these events have their names engraved on the club trophies (displayed at the West Orillia Sports Complex) and bragging rights for the year.
Both the 3.5 tournament and the Open tournament saw teams playing some great tennis and in both tournaments the reigning champions were playing to defend their titles.
In the 3.5 tournament round one saw some very competitive matches as teams worked for ranking and placement. Once placed, teams play in the championship or the consolation round. Most of the players have competed against each other throughout the tennis club season in our various programs, so the level of familiarity of strengths and tendencies was on display.
The 3.5 Club Championship final saw club president Kevin Smith and John Jackson defending their club championship against Nathan Hele and Bill Langlois. Both teams knew each other well however the new to the finals team of Hele and Langlois took the match in two straight sets to win the Men’s 3.5 Doubles Title.
The consolation battle went on and both teams were closely matched. In the end, Peter Broeren and Dave Hallman were the Men’s 3.5 Consolation winners.
A big shoutout and thanks to John Jackson who coordinated the tournament and kept everyone on their toes throughout. His vast experience in running tournaments really helped the event run smoothly.
In the afternoon the Men’s Open competition took place. This event is open to any member of the club and often features our most experienced players. While the number of teams has not yet returned to pre-COVID numbers, the determination and level of play was as intense as ever. The round robin determined seeding.
The Club Championships featured familiar and longtime champions. Peter Koehli has been a Men’s Doubles Champion for 30 years dating back to Tennis’ Brewery Bay Club days. Eric and Peter Koehli, who have been the Orillia Tennis Club Champions for the past nine years, faced David Stacey and Martin Willner who had teamed up most of the season and were ready for the match ahead.
Both teams put on a display of great net play, hard serves and multi hit rallies. Add in some down the line shots, back hand smashes and few lobs for good measure and it truly was an exciting final to watch. In the end, the Captains of Court 1, Peter and Eric Koehli defended their title and are our OTC Men’s Open Champions for the 10th straight year.
A big thank you to club treasurer Susan Stacey who organized the tournament. Her volunteerism helped to keep the tournament going and is an example of the kind of volunteerism our community tennis club needs in order to run its many activities.
It was a fantastic second round of doubles tournaments this month featuring wonderful competition and great spirit among the players. The final tournament of the 2023 Orillia Tennis Season is this Saturday, Sept. 23, 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. featuring our biggest group and most contested titles of the year, the Mixed Doubles Championships.
If you enjoy live tennis, come to the West Orillia Sports Complex at 100 University Dr. in Orillia. Admission is free and all are welcome. Bring a chair and enjoy the matches.
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