Hi Tennis Fans,

     

 The Kenny Huffman Tennis Classic is in the books.  It was fantastic.  We had a very talented Men’s “A” Singles division with the McNamee twins, John Herford, Austin Hanshaw, and Juan Reyes.  The matches were close and exciting to watch.  Juan Reyes ended up defeating John Hereford 6-2, 6-2.

 The Men’s “B” Division had Rick Harris beating Kyle Tacket 6-0, 6-2.  Some of these matches lasted three hours.  Neither player wanted to give up.  It was a thrilling match to watch.

 We had several good “C” division players that were enjoyable to watch:  Jordan Justice, Hayden Caudell, Conner Varney, Kaleb Sergent, Chad Justice, and Ned Pillersdorf.  Hayden Caudell was victorious over Jordan Justice with a score of 6-4, 6-3.

 In the Men’s 50+ Singles, Lee Smith and Rick Harris played so hard and long that I thought they would drop.  The final score was 7-6, 2-6, 6-2 with Rick defeating Lee.

 As the junior players mature, you can see their improvement from year to year.  In the Boy’s 18U, Austin Hanshaw beat Evan Bentley in three sets (4-6, 6-0, 6-4).  The Boy’s 12U had Blake Bowersock winning over Jaxson Napier 6-0, 6-0.  The Jr. Girl’s 18U ended up with Emma Hill being victorious over Carlyn McCreary 6-1, 6-1 – a hard fought match.  In the Girl’s 14U we had many talented girls competing:  Maria Hayes, Clara McNamee, Jason Gray, McKenna Caudill and Chloe Olegario.  The final was between Maria Hayes and Clara McNamee with Maria winning 6-0, 6-1.  

 The Women’s “B” Singles was thrilling to watch.  The participants were Ashley Cornett, Carlyn McCreary, Elizabeth Davis, Haley Dillow, Allie Wells, and Lisette D’Onofrio.  Lisette D’Onofrio defeated Carlyn McCreary in the final 6-1, 6-0.

 Our doubles matches were breath taking as we watched Mots Bishnoi and Shawn Marcum play Jonathan Kuo and Matt Irick.  Jonathan and Matt won 6-3, 6-3.  In the Men’s “B” Doubles, Evan Bentley and Ben McNamee beat Brian Hundley and Freddie Napier 6-3, 6-0.  The Men’s “C” Doubles saw Reed and Ryan Varney play Jordan & Chad Justice.  The Justices won 6-1, 6-2.  In the Men’s 50+ Doubles, Danny Pack and Robert Wright played hard.  It was a thrill to watch.  In the final, Mots Bishnoi and Tony Robinson were the winners.

 The Women’s “B” Doubles was a nail biter.  Ashley Cornett and Ashton Jones won the first set.  McKenzie and Maria Hays fought back winning 5-7, 6-3, 10-6.

 One of the most enjoyable matches to watch was the Wooden Racket Double’s Championship.  Four good friends battled for the title.  Finally, Tony Robinson and Mots Bishnoi defeated Lee Smith and Kevin Stumbo.

 Our Mixed Doubles is always challenging.  Juan Reyes and Macarena Acu won the “A” Division.  In the Mixed “B” Doubles, Ben McNamee and Carlyn McCreary won over Danny Pack and Ashley Cornett by the score of 7-6, 4-6, 10-5.

 The committee can now take a rest for a few months before we start up again planning for next year.  I want to thank every member of our committee and also our volunteers for all the hard work it took in putting this tournament on.  We had 86 players this year.  It was one of the best KHTC tournaments we have ever had.

 I also want to thank all of our sponsors.  We could not have this tournament without them.  It is really wonderful how the town of Pikeville, the University of Pikeville, and all the city workers come together in supporting us.  I think Kevin Hamilton and I became very good friends, and Ron Damron at UPIKE couldn’t do enough.  Thanks to all of you.

 In closing, I want us to honor Ron Compton, who passed away Saturday at the Cancer Slam.  Our hearts are saddened by the death of our friend and tennis companion.  Ron was known to all of our tennis community as a fine man and tennis enthusiast.  His love for tennis was unmatched by anyone.  Ron was doing what he loved best.  He was playing doubles with his good friend Jim Vanover.  Ron will be greatly missed by all his tennis friends and by everyone involved in the Kenny Huffman Tennis Classic Tournament.  He loved the KHTC and worked hard to support it.  Our prayers are with his family.

Sue Huffman Stanley

Founder of Kenny Huffman Tennis Classic

KHTC Director

Author of “A Tennis Love Story”

      

      

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