Fifty Mixed Sectional Championship is notorious for occurring in foul weather. Always held about when day light saving ends, it is characterized by rainouts (2010), ice on courts (2008), and bone-chilling cold that require multiple layers, gloves, and blankets for the spectators. This year in Gold River proved to be no exception as rain was forecast for all three days (November 4-6) of competition. The hardy fifties group came prepared with loads of patience, snacks, and good cheer. Some were so lulled by the warmth of the fireplace (or was it the lengthy delay?) that they took naps between matches. Others killed the time shopping for USTA NorCal apparel and checking out the competition. To play between the raindrops, we had a late start on Friday, two interruptions of play late Saturday, and Sunday finals that went far into the evening. The courts cooperated by drying miraculously fast when needed.
Completing over two hundred matches with dicey weather could not have been possible without the Gold River Racquet Club’s fabulous squeegee and blower team (Club pro, Marty Rothfels, head referee, Bard Rickey, and club staff) who did the behind the scenes work in addition to their other duties. Many thanks also to officials, Linda Rickey and Brian Barrette, for assisting with and resolving issues on court. Volunteers, Helen Berott and Gretchen Harshman, brought levity and efficiency to the tournament desk. Mike Burchett, general manager of Gold River, gave us up to 18 courts to use. Thank you!
Since National Senior Mixed Invitational Championships began in 2009, reaching and winning the NorCal Sectional final has become more desirable; just ask team In Shape Marina from Stockton. Always the bridesmaid and never the bride, they were runners up two years in a row and lost last year’s Sectional by the smallest of margins. They’ve improved from being a 7.0 team to a 8.0 team, fielded a smaller roster, and won all three final matches in straight sets on Sunday. A jubilant captain, Gary Low, recounted the sad tales of opportunities missed in years past and all could see how sweet such a long sought victory was to this team. They now head to the Mixed Invitational in Texas next March, along with Greater Vallejo, San Carlos Tennis Club, and Pleasanton.