When I was a “youngster” back in elementary school here on Salt Spring Island I started knocking about "fuzzy yellow balls" with my Grandad and took some lessons with Loes Holland. I played for a few years and then took 15+ years off while I concentrated on school and my RCM piano & music theory exams. I completed my Grade 10 piano practical exams and Grade 5 written theory.

I bought a Prince Triple Threat tennis racquet in 2002 but didn't use it much until 2007. I started playing the sport regularly in 2008 when I joined the Salt Spring Tennis Association. Since then I've tried several racquets, Wilson Team 95, BLX Six.One 95, Blade 98, Tour 90. Today, my favourite is the Wilson Steam 99S with a 16x15 string pattern for extra spin.

Centre Court

Centre Court indoor tennis facility on Salt Spring Island, BC

Our fantastic public indoor tennis facility here on Salt Spring Island, BC.

Michael at Tom's court on Salt Spring Island.

Good times were had at this tennis court by the sea on Salt Spring Island. Unfortunately, the place was sold and the owners moved off Island. The new residents are apparently not tennis players…

On July 29th 2017 Tim Dubois and I won the Presidents Cup men's doubles invitational tournament.

There were 4 teams competing in the event and Tim and I didn't drop a set! The best-of-three set match scores were 6-1, 6-2 / 6-0, 6-4 / 6-3, 6-3.

History

I was first introduced to the game of tennis by my grandfather who was originally from England. I still have his wooden racquet that he brought from the UK and my first racquet which has an aluminum frame.

I played some tennis in the early 80's with Loes Holland as my tennis instructor. I will always remember her comment whenever I miss-hit a ball… "Wootsie, try again!" She will always be remembered for her positiveness and joy of life, love of the great outdoors, and the sport of tennis.

In 2008 I met Chris Anstis at the Portlock Park public tennis courts. He asked me if I'd like to hit some balls and I'm glad he did. Between 2008 and 2012 we had many memorable hits together and I became a fan of Roger Federer.

I have participated in a few off island tennis tournaments including the Grass Court Classic 2010, 11, 16. I also participated in the South Island Indoor Challenge in 2010 which was my first time ever playing indoor tennis. In August 2011 my mixed doubles partner Marianne Banman and I won the Gulf Islands Open mixed doubles. In 2015 I won the President's Cup with Norm Avelino and Gulf Islands Open in men's doubles with Andrew Ross-Collins.

Every year I look forward to our local club tournaments including the Jack Fisher Memorial (SSTA event), and the Gulf Islands Open which is held on the Labour Day weekend. I have participated in every Gulf Islands Open since 2008.

Recent Matches

May 18-20 Roy Rajsic Classic
LOSS Deb’s Deb/Blair 5-8
WIN Diana/Markus 8-5
WIN vs Jordy/David 8-1
LOSS vs Pauline/Brian 6-8
LOSS vs Tim/Pete 6-8
LOSS vs Blair/Andrew 5-8
WIN vs Paul/Mark 8-0
WIN vs Heather/Rick 8-2
WIN Patti/Mark 8-4

2018-06-05 @CC
Subbed for Tim
6-4, 6-1, 6-1, 3-2 w/Liz vs Mafalda/Martin

2018-04-09 @CC
WIN 4-6, 7-6(4), 10-6 w/Mike C vs Andrew/Mike B

2018-04-08 @CC
LOSS w/Tim vs Dave W, Mike C
LOSS w/Jenny vs Andrew/Deb O

2018-04-07 @CC
LOSS 4-6, 6-4, 0-6, 2-3
w/Diane K vs Mike C/Marianne

2018-04-03 @CC
WIN 7-5, 6-2, 6-3, 2-3
w/Diane vs Jayne/Dianna

2018-03-28 @BLTA
WIN 6-4 w/Marianne
LOSS 1-6, 2-6 w/Betty
WIN 6-1 w/Marianne

2018-03-26 @CC
WIN 6-4, 6-2, 4-3(2)
w/Blair vs Dave R/Colin

2018-03-25 @BLTA
w/Marianne vs Dave R/Diana
WIN 6-2, 6-1, 6-3

2018-03-23 @CC
W,L,L,L

2018-03-19 @CC
LOSS 2-6, 4-6
w/Dave R vs Jenny/Blair
2018-03-16 @Portlock
1.5 hours hitting with Markus and Blair

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