31st Annual Bradshaw Tournament

This was the 31st year for the Bradshaw Tennis tournament held at the Cottonwood Racquet Club. There were many close matches with over 50 needing a tie-break game. The IronOaks Fitness and Racquet Center had many members place in the top three in their division. The results are as follows: Dave Rokusek was part of a doubles team that won the 3.0 division. Dan Kiely and Bert Hustad won the 3.5 (2) division with Evan Hansen coming in third with his partner. Mike Davin and Brian Claflin placed first in the 3.5 (1) division with John Gates and Art Baessler placing third. In the 4.0 division, Warren Kutchyera and Bill Cunningham beat out fellow IOTC members, Tom Snider and Mike Kroelinger to take the win. In the Men’s 70 division, Dave Withers and Steve Horowitz placed third with Gary Porter taking the win with his partner. Len Paulson and Don Neu were the winners for the Men’s 75 doubles. On the women’s side of the tournament, Edith Tanniru and Bobbie Fitzgerald came away with the win in the 3.0 division with Sue Tschetter and Susan Brown placing third. In the Women’s 3.5 (2) division, Barb Yanke and Olena Buxton took the first place prize. Jeri Schulz was part of the doubles team that placed third for the 3.5 (1) division. In the 4.0 division, Carmela Davin and Lola Bernadelli grabbed the top spot with Randi Rex and Michelle Mather placing third.

Don Neu was the tournament director and provided another great tournament for Sun Lakes Tennis players. The Cottonwood Tennis Club provided great food and a fun atmosphere too. Thank you to all the volunteers that made this event such a success!

Don Neu, Tournament Director

As always, many thanks goes to Mary Ann Hylton who headed up the food court which never ran out of food and is a trade mark of the Bradshaw Tournament. Many players stepped in to help serve the food as well as all players and spectators stepped in to be sure that no food was left over. Dave Butler contacted many sponsors and obtained banners from the sponsors who helped to fund the tournament along with the $5 entry fee from each player. Two “Gold” sponsors displayed two new autos and two new golf carts during the tournament. Gloria and Jack Wilson managed the tournament desk with the aid of many other tennis players keeping the tournament on schedule and as well as recording scores from each and every match. John Langan made sure he did not miss the picture of any of the doubles teams. Photos were given to all participants to help them remember their wins. A raffle was spearheaded by Kathy Klotz and Kathy Sundsrud bringing in almost $400. Two individuals who make the tournament more enjoyable for all the spectators and players are Cannon Hill and Jay Ketter who set up the chairs and benches as well as put them away after the Tournament.

Cottonwood Tennis Club President Susan Aparicio presented to Neighbors Who Care a check of $1,500 as a donation from the successful 31st annual Bradshaw Tournament.