For early birds, informal play will begin at approx. 3:00 Friday, July 27. Play with whoever shows up. Competition will begin at 9:30 Saturday and end around Sunday noon. Come keep our 10 courts (4 indoor) hoppin’.
A welcoming “cook out” is planned for Friday evening, plus a Saturday evening lakeside soda and beer party with a brief awards ceremony that evening or on Sunday.
Tennis players may register for men’s or women’s singles and doubles plus mixed doubles. Pickleball players may register for men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles. Tony and Joyce Nigro, whom some of you know, will be helping with the pickleball section.
The 7th annual Paul “PK” Engman was held at the Quad Cities Tennis For All facility this past May 7th. Teams from Virginia, Grand Rapids and Aitkin took part in the annual event. Thanks to the generous contributions of the Engman family, Kevin, Virginia and Kristine, the event was once again a tremendous success. Paul was a former multi-sport star who was unfortunately killed in a car accident on January 4, 2003. He was 16 years of age. This annual tournament is something that these teams look forward to every year. The theme of the day is to have fun and play with that sole purpose in mind. The teams play each other and then team up with other players from other towns to enjoy the experience of meeting others who could become lifelong friends. Coaches even get the opportunity to play on this fine day. The Engmans also provide Paul’s favorite meal of taco in a bag and provide a memorial T-Shirt for all players and coaches which is greatly appreciated.
Steve and Jen Bonner of the Coke Company in Virginia provided all the refreshments for those involved. We would like to thank them for all of the support they have given over the years of the tourney.
In the near future we would like to invite former players that were on Paul’s team to take part in the special day. If interested please contact Dave Gunderson to take part.
I had the opportunity to play at the courts today. I commend the QCTFA board on the beautiful facility. We are so very fortunate to have this available to us, regardless of our age or ability. Thank you so much for your dedicated efforts and wonderful results!!!
Janet Koski
Dear Dave, Tom, Jim, Bob and All Other Committee Members:
Congratulations on your combined efforts to raise funds and construct a first class, covered tennis facility for the Quad Cities area. The fact that it is a Quad Cities effort that will benefit many thousands of Iron Rangers for many generations is grand and welcome news. The tennis programs in Virginia, Eveleth, Gilbert, and Mt. Iron will continue to be strong and competitive for generations. Folks in the area will have a place to exercise and play tennis year ’round. In a word: smashing! Our check, representing a donation from daughter Sandy, son Isaac, and me, is in the mail and on its way to you from the Philippines. Maraming salamat (thank you very much) for your combined and continuing efforts.
Ole Zupetz
