Sixty six players played in the recent ITA WY District Cup Level V junior tournament held on November 13 – 15 at the University of Wyoming Indoor Tennis Center in Laramie. Players from all six districts (CO, ID, MT, UT, NV and WY) in the Intermountain Sectional participated. Selection was based on the highest Intermountain standings with two wildcards for the highest ranking Wyoming players in each division. It was great event both on and off the court. In addition to some exceptional tennis on the courts, the players were also introduced to two of the A.C.E. curriculum activities, one mathematics (Multiplication Tic Tac Toe) and one literacy (Glith: Key Chain).
Colorado player, JoAnna Kennedy, was hoping to play in the G 10 under with green dot balls but due to limited registration in the 10’s she was willing to play up in the G 12’s. Seven year old JoAnna, not only held her own on the court but taught the older teenage girls how to make a Glith and how the various beads tell your story. In addition to working on their literacy and mathematics skills most of the players participated in some player, self-directed four-square tennis. It is so great to seeing players building relationships, creating new friendships, and developing social skills in addition to their tennis at this event.
Great tennis, great friendships, and great time had by all. Here are the girls singles champions: G12’s (Isabella Billiant – ID); G 14 (Samantha Moore-Thomson – CO); G 16 (Meghna Chowdhury – CO); and G 18 (Kristen Kirby – CO). The boy’s singles champions included: B 12 (James Byrne (ID); B 14 (Akhil Gupta – CO); B 16 Jack Alexander – CO) and B 18 (Keith McMullin – UT). For doubles champions, finalist and full match results CLICK HERE. CONGRATULATIONS to all champions and finalist!
Patrick Dwyer was one of the players entered in the Boy’s 18’s but passed away two days before the event. A special thanks goes out to all the folks who contributed to our Patrick Dwyer Memorial Fund. USTA WY will match the $200 collected at the tournament and will be sending $400 on to Mike Harvey (ED for USTA ID) to host a Patrick Dwyer Memorial High School PlayDay in Boise in Patrick’s honor.