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Sunday, June 10, 2001

Less than two weeks after the conclusion of the National Men's 40 Indoor Championships, Ethel Hansen, one of the many unpaid volunteers who has helped the tournament run smoothly the past seven years, is looking ahead to next year's event at the Oxford Athletic Club East.

So is Van Wilder, the two-time defending singles champion.

"I'm already the first entry," he said. "The players know they'll get treated well and have a good time when they come here."

Hansen and her hard-working crew have made the tournament a week-long celebration of tennis.

"We want to create a fun week in addition to the tournament," said Hansen, the director of sponsorships and marketing. "Without sponsors we can't run the tournament. We will always be looking for sponsors. We'll sit down later this month and see if we have sponsors on deck for next year.

"We're eager to do it again."

It costs approximately $20,000 to stage the tournament, including $5,000 for prize money. Some years, more than $20,000 is raised. Some years less.

A portion of the proceeds each year 3/4 between $6,000 and $11,000 3/4 have benefited charities such as Make-A-Wish, the American Cancer Society and the Mario Lemieux Foundation.

"Overall, I'd say the tournament has broken even," Hansen said. "It's always hard to find new sponsors."

Dollar Bank, UPMC Health System and the Oxford Athletic Club have been sponsors for seven years.

The club, which donated money, provided facilities and held a banquet for the players, also offered the use of its trainer, Guy Sanchioli, for the tournament. He's a busy man, dealing with the assortment of aches and pains associated with competitive middle-aged men who challenge their bodies to keep up with their minds.

"Your heart tells you to do one thing," Wilder said with a laugh. "Then your legs say, 'Not any more.' We're always pushing ourselves. There are going to be injuries with this crowd."

Clayton-Kendall was a new sponsor this year, contributing T-shirts, novelty items, accessories and promotional items.

Regina Brody, in conjunction with Clayton-Kendall, made the experience a little sweeter for the players by distributing five-inch chocolate tennis racquets.

Spitzer Autoworld Acura/Nissan/Toyota was a sponsor for the first time and put cars on display courtside at the club.

"It's all tied into the sponsors, who also volunteer their time. It's an enjoyable, interesting way to run a tournament," Hansen said. "We're trying to make the tournament as hospitable as possible."

Rochelle Seilhammer, the tournament director, coordinated a Tiny Tots TennisFest for children between the ages of 3 and 7 during the week. There was a silent auction run by Aldene Lacaria and special outside activities for the players.

"The players appreciate what they're doing for us," Wilder said. "At most tournaments, you come to play tennis and then spend the rest of your time in the hotel room."

For the most part, the tournament hasn't had any major glitches over the years.

"That's because we've had some wonderful volunteers," Hansen said, ticking off the names of Charlotte and Jack Helfer, Patty Ware and Ron McMullin. "There are so many people who make this tournament a great deal of fun."

What's happening

The West Penn Junior League, for boys and girls ages 8 through 18 from country clubs and tennis clubs throughout the northern part of Western Pennsylvania will begin Friday and run weekly through mid-August. Edgeworth Club in Sewickley is the defending champion.

The West Penn Junior Inter-Club mixed doubles tournament will be at Butler Country Club, July 13. The defending champion is Glen Creek Tennis Club in Library. For more details, call 724-586-5985.

The Citiparks Gamma adult open championships for men and women will be at Schenley Park, June 28-July 3. The entry deadline is June 22. Entry fee is $10 for singles and $15 for doubles. There also will be a 35s tournament for men and women with at least a 3.5 rating. For more details, call Jim Rudolph, 412-244-4188.