John Brasch
East Valley residents were again treated to a great display of local tennis talent as the Jason Morten Tennis Classic wrapped up on Sunday, March 4, continuing a 13-year-long tradition of honoring Jason Morten, an American legend in senior tennis and designer of the IronOaks Tennis Center.
Over 100 players competed for over $4,000 in prize money this year. Special thanks go to The Kolb Team and Arizona Sanitation for their Grand Slam sponsorships as well as to 360 Physical Therapy and A-1 Golf Carts. Also, special appreciation is given to the IronOaks Tennis Club who served as hosts and provided snacks and beverages to participants and spectators.
Tournament directors Kwong Young and John Radcliffe oversaw play in 17 divisions of men’s, women’s and mixed doubles play ranging in age from the open division to a men’s 75+ doubles division. This tournament is unique in that top finishers are awarded cash prizes in each of the divisions. Our own Tom Snider and Jake DeMoss finished this year as champions in the 75+ Men’s Doubles Division.
On the other end of the age spectrum, the Men’s Open Singles Division was won by the youngest player registered in the tournament, Hussein Elalami, who defeated Thiago Barbosa 7-5, 7-5 in Sunday afternoon’s championship match under near perfect Arizona tennis weather.
Special recognition goes to John Radcliffe who has been involved with the Jason Morton Tennis Classic since its inception in 2005. From his organizational ability to the hours spent monitoring play on multiple courts, his tireless energy and devotion to tennis and this particular tournament help to keep the sport and the Jason Morton Tennis Classic alive and healthy among the residents of one of the finest senior facilities on the West Coast.
Mark your calendars for the first week in March next year to be a part of an ongoing tennis tradition in the East Valley – The Jason Morton Classic.