Steamboat Pilot & Today

The sun isn't the only bright yellow ball in the sky these days.

Now that spring has arrived, play at tennis courts is starting to pick up, and players are looking for some competition.

Stacy Swiggart, of the Tennis Center at Steamboat Springs, says players can find it this summer in leagues.

"We have leagues that range from 3.0 to 4.5," Stacy Swiggart said. "There are still a few openings for men, women, singles and doubles players."

Swiggart said the Tennis Center is expected to host 14 to 16 leagues this summer that will give about 150 players a chance to show what they can do on the court.

Players also can find competitive league play on the Steamboat Springs Health and Recreation Center's courts this summer.

Health and Recreation will offer five leagues this summer. The leagues range from 2.5 to 4.0 and there is a coed singles league, as well.

The leagues will begin June 9 at both local facilities. Players may call 879-1828, Ext. 60, for information on the Health and Recreation Center's programs or 879-8400 for more information on the Tennis Center.

Health and Recreation will have a signup party for leagues at 6 p.m. on May 27.

"We will be getting pretty busy here in a couple of weeks," Swiggart said.

In addition to the leagues, the Tennis Center will continue to offer many educational opportunities ranging from private lessons, to an adult minicamp and a junior academy.

Swiggart said the center also would offer "Drill and Skills" clinics at noon Mondays and Wednesdays. There also will be sessions from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Swiggart said the clinics are a great way to stay in shape or tune up your tennis game.

It is also a great way for players to find out where they should be rated, so that they end up in a league of players with similar abilities.

The clinics are $9 and are limited to the first six people who sign up each week. Players can sign up for a clinic up to three weeks in advance.

The center also has several tournaments on its summer schedule.

A Memorial Day 12-and-younger tournament is expected to draw 32 boys and 18 girls for a weekend of tennis.

Other notable tournaments include the senior sectionals, June 12-15, and another national level tournament, Aug. 14-17.

-- To reach John F. Russellcall 871-4209

or e-mail jrussell@steamboatpilot.com