Tradition returns to the court
PENN TWP — A summer tradition is about to be renewed at Butler Country Club.
The 15th annual West Penn Interclub Junior Tennis Championship will be played on the club's courts starting at 10:30 a.m. Thursday.
Participating clubs include Lakevue Athletic Club, Forest Hills Swim Club, Oxford Athletic Club, Mount Lebanon Tennis Association, Butler Country Club and Butler Junior Tennis Association.
Each club will field a mixed doubles team at the 12-and-under and 18-and-under age levels. Both teams' results will be combined to determine a club's final standing in the event.
Lakevue is the defending champion, winning both age divisions in 2009. Oxford won the event three straight years (2006-08) and is back in the mix after not competing last year.
"There's different summer tennis programs all over the area," said tournament director Whitney Snyder, who also is the tennis pro at BCC. "Each club chooses its best players, so it's the equivalent of an all-star game.
In case of bad weather, the event will be moved to Lakevue Athletic Club, a scenario that occurred last year.
"All the clubs enjoy it," Snyder said of the tournament. "It's a melting pot because you have country clubs, swim clubs and indoor tennis clubs involved. Plus, you don't see many tournaments that are mixed doubles. A lot of the players are curious about that aspect of it.
"The only complaint is why aren't there more teams competing," added Snyder. "I invited 30 clubs and my personal goal is to have as many teams involved as possible."
