Left to right: Lana Doggett, treasurer; Jake Mackie, new member welcome; Dianne Dugan, secretary; John Pantano, president; Susan Hoover, vice president
Ralph Berry
The Robson Ranch Tennis Club gathered in mid-February, with warm weather and sunny courts of spring on everyone’s mind. The first order of business was elections for open positions on the board. New and continuing officers are John Pantano, president; Susan Hoover, vice president; Lana Doggett, treasurer; Dianne Dugan, secretary; and Jake Mackie, new member welcome.
The main order of business was maximum utilization of the six tennis courts during the year. Play at Robson Ranch falls into six basic categories: resident-booked twosomes and foursomes play, USTA (United States Tennis Association) and NETT (Northeast Tarrant Tennis) league play, Tennis Club-organized drop-in, Tennis Club-organized tournaments and socials, pro-led clinics, and casual resident drop-in. By far, the most active area year-round is resident-booked play where a resident first organizes another player or three and then books a court through the Chelsea system for a particular time. These regular groups offer camaraderie and competition at all levels. The USTA and NETT teams play officially ranked competitive tennis with clubs and organizations across the area (half the matches at Robson and half at competitors’ clubs), providing not only great tennis but excellent public relations for Robson Ranch.
The spring league play is already underway, and the ladies’ teams are representing Robson with skill and style. The Tennis Club reserves courts for organized drop-in play at various times of day, depending on the time of year, so that club members can have a casual tennis experience with no regular weekly commitment and a chance to meet and play with new people and assess skill levels. Many drop-in players eventually develop their own resident-booked groups. The Tennis Club also organizes tournaments and socials throughout the year, with the big three being the annual Spring Fling (April), Breakfast at Wimbledon (June), and Oktoberfest (October). Pro-led clinics are scheduled with Robson-approved pros and organized by residents who then book the courts. And whenever courts are not booked by residents for any of the activities described above, any resident at the Ranch can just find an open court and play or practice.
Everyone is looking forward to a fun year of tennis, with fingers crossed for good health, no injuries, and lots of fun. For more information about any of the tennis at Robson, contact the Tennis Club at rrtxtennisclub@gmail.com.
See you at the courts!