39th Annual Sandspur Tennis Tourney

39^th Annual Sandspur Tennis Tourney
October 2009 By Mac Knefley & James Kober

Pfeifler, Man take The City Of Gulf Breeze's 39th Annual Sandspur Tennis Tourney

Once a prestigious area event before the likes of Hurricane Ivan, the 39th Annual City of Gulf Breeze Sandspur Mixed Doubles Tennis Tournament presented by Parkway Dental has regained its glory thanks to Shoreline director James Kober and his crew.

The three-day tourney wrapped up late Sunday afternoon with several happy winners playing in a 48-team draw. Many more watched the action and took part in the off-court festivities.

"Obviously the weather really cooperated; we had varying levels from beginning players to 5.5 players; it was very exciting," Kober said. "Because it was a city tournament this year, we had all the city staff helping out with maintenance, which was invaluable. It was just a great community outpouring financially as well. The level of play was outstanding as always."

The proceeds go to help resurfacing the existing courts, and any money left over will go towards building additional hard courts.

The main draw winners were Gulf Breeze High's junior star Jennifer Pfeifler and Shoreline head pro, Whitney Man, who defeated former local tennis director and current Wilson representative Iain Pound and wife Cindy, 6-1, 6-4.

"It was nicely run, and the weather turned out to be beautiful; it was the perfect weekend to play tennis," Pfeifler said. "There were a lot of people and it was a lot of fun. I always enjoy doing these kinds of tournaments. Gulf Breeze is such a great location for tennis, and it's always fun to be a part of it."

Pfeifler was a repeat winner; she teamed with Iain Pound to win last year's event.

"It was weird playing against him this time; it's always an interesting time playing Iain. It was good; it was close in the second set, so that tested everyone's nerves. They picked it up, and we tried to keep it up."

Man was also happy to get the win on his home courts.

"We had a great turnout, excellent weather, great sponsors, and the food was excellent as always," Man said. "We had a lot of good players out here. It was a little windy, but we could adjust. It seemed like everyone had a good weekend of tennis. It feels good to win with home court advantage; I had a lot of fans pulling for us. It's a big family right here; you can't beat it."

The Pound duo saw only positives after reaching the finals. They were ahead 3-2 in the second set before Pfeifler and Mann broke serve, then took control.

"It was a great tournament and well organized," Iain Pound said. "James and his staff did a great job. This is a reflection of tennis in Gulf Breeze. It's on the up; to get this many people out on a big college football weekend and with the Saints playing today was huge. It was a testament to what a great job he's doing. We started with no expectations; it was a great effort for us to get to the final. Obviously they were just younger and better than us. At the end of the weekend, we're still happily married."

"It was fun, absolutely," Cindy Pound said. "The people who come out to watch who aren't playing makes it even more fun."

Other winners included the West division champs Scott Harrison and Linda Villanova; North winners Paul Einhart and Jennie Barrow; Southwest winners Mike Kondos and Debbie Turner; Northeast winners Tonya Walters and Clay Pfeifler, Northwest winners Ron and Lauren Busbee; South winners Wade and Jill Wilson; Southeast winners Harley Spann and Truli Hartley.

Kober thanked several people for making this year's event a success.

"Melina Thomas was the workhorse in getting the community outpouring from local businesses; probably around $8000 was put forth through sponsorships and silent auction items that were donated." Kober said. "On top of that, the food was kept at a low cost because Kaya Hard's (Shoreline head pro Whitney Man's girlfriend) catering company, Engraved Passions prepared all the food. Unfortunately her father, (former Jackson's chef Carlos Hard) passed away a few months ago, so this is keeping on the legacy. My wife, Terrina,worked behind the scenes feverishly making sure everything ran smoothly from start to finish, as well as assistant pro Caleb Cobia and head pro Whitney Man. Obviously a huge thank you needs to go out to our "presenting sponsor," Parkway Dental who not only was our major financial contributor but also lent us their office manager to help with all the Friday night check-ins which was invaluable."

He also thanked Wanda Chapman, Ginger Lunday, Helen Szymanski & the Gulf Breeze Parks and Recreation Director, Ron Pulley, who were all towers of strength before, during and after the tournament!Other great additions to the silent auction were the beautiful baskets donated by all the ladies league teams that play out of Shoreline and some desserts and gift certificates also donated by the teams to help the cause.

Among several other companies to help, Rock Hard and Bere Jeweler's donated bracelets, and Prince donated a $250 racquet, and $80 tennis bag. Hot Spots Bait and Tackle donated several rods and reels, and Patterson Plastic Surgery donated a $650 botox package. Gold Ring and Buffalo rock supplied the beverages.

39th Annual Sandspur Tennis Tourney - 2009

39th Annual Sandspur Tennis Tourney - 2009

L-R - Runners-up, Iain & Cindy Pound - Presenting Sponsor of the Sandspur, Dr. Terence Lunday of Parkway Dental - Tournament Director, James Kober and Winners, Jennifer Pfeifler & Whitney Man

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