- November 4, 2024
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According to the men and women who participated in the tennis section of the Senior Games, age is nothing but a number. Seniors competed in both men and women singles, and mixed doubles matches Monday, Sept. 15, at the Palm Coast Tennis Center.
In the past, the Senior Games were usually held together between Palm Coast and Ormond Beach, but the Games were separated this year.
“It was a great event,” head pro Eric Dubin said. “It was nice to see new faces. This was our first year, so we hope to turn it into something special going forward.”
In the men’s singles competition, Julian Gloomis defeated Ron Byno in straight sets to advance to the finals. Then, he took down Donald Hamel 6-0, 6-3 to win the singles first-place award.
“There was a lot of good competition out here, and it was hot,” Gloomis said. “I got to meet new people, and that’s where the fun comes in.”
Cathy Saris defeated Mijai Pagano to make it to the finals in the women’s singles, where she eventually had to play Kelly Bodo. Bodo won 6-1, 6-1 to win first place.
"I’ve been playing tennis for a long time, but this is my first time competing in the seniors,” Bodo said. “I’m originally from Ohio, so I appreciate the fact that I can play outside and not have to worry about rain, sleet or snow all of the time.”
There were two separate divisions for mixed doubles, an over and under-70s group. Mike Singler and Angelita Tullas won first place over Jerald Greenwood and Cynthia Shirk 6-2, 6-1 for the sub-70s mixed doubles, and Paul Lawrence and Sue Thompson took home first in the over-70s division against Charles Nichols and Merlin Nuti-DeBiasi 6-1, 6-0.
Doug and Emily Speaker were a mixed doubles team who traveled from Ocala. Though they didn’t win, they still enjoy the many opportunities to meet different people and play the game that they love.
“We travel all over to compete in the Senior Games,” Emily Speaker said. “I wish that more people would get involved. It’s a really fun event.”
