Cedars tennis clinics fun for kids
by Kevin Cassidy
Islander Correspondent
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| Tennis clinic participants listen to instructions from the coach at the Cedars Tennis Resort on Longboat Key. |
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| Six-year-old Annie Walter returns a shot during tennis camp at the Cedars Tennis Resort on Longboat Key. Islander Photos: Kevin Cassidy |
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| Conal Cassidy, 6, hits a forehand during group lessons at the Cedars Tennis Resort on Longboat Key. |
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| Tennis clinic participants go through a warm-up activity prior to tennis action during tennis lessons at the Cedars Tennis resort on Longboat Key. |
Tennis professional Tony Easton of the Cedars Tennis Resort on Longboat Key spent a lot of time talking about and demonstrating the proper grip, stance and stroke on backhands and forehands, but the most important thing he was teaching the 12 or so kids in attendance was simple: “Have fun.”
The weekly clinic started off with a warm-up activity that had the kids toe-touching a tennis ball. Afterward, he made sure everyone was using the correct grip before putting them through forehand and backhand strokes on the practice court.
The next drill, called university, had them starting with a forehand shot fairly close to the net - the kindergarten spot. If they successfully hit the ball over the net, they moved to primary, where they had to successfully hit a backhand. A successful shot there moved them over and further back from the net to high-school level. A good forehand shot from there moved them to university level, where they had to hit three good backhand shots.
Easton spent time with each student, adjusting and correcting grips and strokes throughout the clinic, but he was also cracking jokes, having fun and encouraging all the kids. The morning session ended with coaches and players playing tennis Pac-Man and reviewing the morning’s lesson.
All the kids in attendance seemed to enjoy themselves, this for the low price of $10 for one child and $5 for additional siblings. The clinics are every Saturday and get started at 9 a.m. for children ages 5-8. Children ages 9-12 go from 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. while children ages 13-16 play from 10:30-11:15 a.m.
For more information, contact Easton at 941-383-6426.
Young Islander wins skimboard contest
Lifelong Island resident Brandon Mills, son of Joanie and Tony Mills of Holmes Beach, recently participated in the first annual St. Augustine National Kidney Foundation Surf Festival held June 26-29 at the St. Augustine Pier and Oceanfront Resort in St. Augustine.
Brandon, who attends Anna Maria Elementary School, where he is an upcoming third-grader, took home first place in his age group in the skimboard competition.
Brandon grabbed his prize with some strong rides, including pulling off an “indy,” which is when the rider gets some big air and grabs the board between his or her legs before getting it back underneath for a good landing. He also pulled off a “180 pop shove it,” where the rider gets air and spins the board 180 degrees under his feet before landing.
This is Brandon’s third contest, but it was his first championship win after placing third in the 22nd annual Cocoa Beach NKF Labor Day Surf Festival. Brandon, who is also a surfer, has surfing blood in his family as mom Joanie was an accomplished surfer as are her older brothers Rich and Phil Salick, both professional surfers “back in their day.”
Next up for Brandon is the Back-to-School Skimboard contest at the BeachHouse Restaurant, which has been delayed to October to draw people to the Island during the Anna Maria Island Bridge closing.
Key Royale golf news
The Key Royale Club men played an 18-hole, low-net-of-partners game on July 9 at the Key Royale golf course. First place went to the team of Don Ledford and Bob Jorgensen, who combined to card a 51, three shots better than second-place finishers Vince Mercandante and Bob Kral, who carded a 54. Third place went to George Womble and Chris Collins with a 56.
The ladies of the Key Royale Club played a low-net, three-club game on July 8. Golf is usually played with 14 clubs, but, for this game, players must choose three clubs including a putter. First flight winners were Sally Keyes, Joyce Brown and Tootie Wagner, who all carded 3-under-par 29s. Second place went to Lois Biel, one shot back at 30. First place in flight 2 was Erma McMullen, who scorched the course with an 8-under-par 24. Norma Moran Shearer fired a 29, good for second place, while Nancy Grimme, Lrraine Towne and Meredith Slavin all tied for third with 31s.
The men played a nine-hole, best-ball-of-foursome match on July 7. The team of Don Ledford, Bob Jorgensen, John Driscoll and Paul Proxy fired an 8-under-par 24 to grab clubhouse bragging rights for the day. Second place went to the team of Dick Mills, Fred Meyer, Jim McCartney and Jerry Brown with a 25.
The ladies and the men played on June 27 in a match that had teams throw out their worst hole. The team of Teddy Morgan, Al Morgan, Fred Meyer and Paulina Proxy combined to card a 94, which was five shots better than second-place team Lorraine Towne, Terry Westby, John Driscoll and Don Ledford. Teddy and Al Morgan both had a hand in their team victory as Teddy chipped in twice and Al chipped in once.
Monster Jam returns to Center
The Center’s 3-on-3 Monster Jam basketball tourney will be July 18-20 at the AMICC gym. The cost is $100 per team for up to four players, and team member will each receive a Monster Jam T-shirt and two guaranteed games. There also will be a dunk and three-point contest included as well.
Age groups start at 8-9 and go all the way up to the 40s and up. Call the Center at 941-778-1908 to register or for more information.
The Center also offers adult hoopsters a chance to show their stuff on Mondays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Players ages 18 and up play free if they are Center fitness or annual members. Monthly members pay $2.50 per session, while the fee is $5 for non-members.
Summer at the Center includes some other programs and activities, including a relaxed sunset volleyball game at the Manatee Public Beach for teens. Players are welcome to show up, socialize and enjoy the sand and sunset. Sodas are available for $1, but the fun is free for ages 11-17. The next event is 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, and again Aug. 5and 12. Teens can meet at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, or catch a ride at the Center by 5:45 p.m.
Two soccer camps are gearing up at the Center, a British-run soccer camp will come to the Island Aug. 11-15 at the Center with registration now through Aug. 1 for youths ages 4-16. Sessions start at $90 per player and include a two-hour mini-camp, half-day morning or evening camp.
The Center will run its own soccer camp in preparation for the fall season of league play. Players ages 4-14 can hone skill levels at the Aug. 27-29 events, but registration doesn’t begin until Aug. 1. |
