close
close

Yiamastaverna

Trusted News & Timely Insights

    • Robinson tournament showcases the heritage of sport in PH
    Colorado

    Robinson tournament showcases the heritage of sport in PH

    Madoc Meredith Posted on

    PORT HURON — Some had been playing for decades. Others were not even ten years old. But everyone there shared the same passion.

    Athletes of all generations met on Sunday for the finals of the 67th Francis J. Robinson International Memorial Tennis Tournament at the Port Huron Tennis House.

    “We had great weather and fabulous tennis,” said tournament director Jason Go. “It really is a great community event because it’s a celebration of our tennis community.”

    Around 360 participants took part in the six-day tournament, with hundreds – if not thousands – of other participants following the action throughout the week.

    “Everyone wants to participate,” said Assistant Director Kristy Kinney, “whether they’re helping to make it happen or just here to play or watch. This year, about 65 additional people participated in the tournament.”

    Mark M. Walker, the general manager of the Tennis House, was not one of them. Instead, he decided to watch his children and grandchildren play tennis.

    “It’s super gratifying,” said Walker, who has been involved with the Tennis House since it opened in 1976. “Seeing these kids grow up and play tennis in the atmosphere and community that’s created here is just amazing. It’s a great environment for kids and families.”

    Families are not only the backbone of the Robinson Tournament, they are an important part of it.

    Scott Cummings, boys and girls tennis coach at Croswell-Lexington High School, and his son Matthew won the mixed doubles championship in the seventh round. Sisters Lily and Kate VanHowe of Port Huron teamed up to win the girls’ doubles title in the first round.

    But for cousins ​​Debbie Bunch and Francine London, the tournament is about much more than just tennis. It is named after their late uncle.

    “This is huge for our family,” London said. “I just remember how involved my grandparents were (in the tournament) when I was growing up and how much it meant to them to keep their son’s memory alive.”

    Francis J. Robinson, a lieutenant in the United States Air Force, died on July 16, 1958, when his fighter jet crashed during a training mission at Elgin Air Force Base in Florida. He was 24 years old.

    He was an avid tennis player during his lifetime and that same year the Francis J. Robinson Memorial Tournament was established in his memory. With the exception of 2020, the event has been held every year since then.

    “That this is still going on, oh my God,” Bunch said. “Normally I’d burst into tears because for 67 years we never dreamed of this… it means so much to us that it’s still going on.”

    On Sunday, both presented their awards at the closing ceremony.

    “We are very honored that they asked us to do this,” Bunch said.

    “It’s nice that they still include the family,” London said. “It’s very cool.”

    What was once a local competition has grown into something much bigger. Participants in this year’s tournament came from across Michigan and the entire United States, with a handful of players even making the short trip from Canada across the Blue Water Bridge.

    “I don’t think anyone thought it would evolve into what it is today,” Walker said. “People are coming back who haven’t played in a while and are still able to come in. It’s just really rewarding and satisfying to see that.”

    “We have a great tennis community here,” Go said. “We have a lot of volunteers – our high school kids have been great. They help with the games and look after the younger kids. We have great parents who donate their time, tents, tables and a lot of different things. (This event) is very special here in town.”

    That was evident on Sunday when Nancy Pfieffer was presented with the tournament’s most prestigious award, the Francis J. Robinson Sportsmanship Award. Her emotional acceptance speech drew more applause – and more tears – than any other award.

    “We have a very special situation here,” Kinney said. “We’re passing tennis on, which is why we’re still involved 67 years after the Robinson tournament.”

    Contact Brenden Welper at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @BrendenWelper.

    Tagged:

    LEAVE A RESPONSE

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Madoc Meredith
    View all posts

    You Might Also Like

    ads