Penny Petersen

The two-day tennis tournament between Canada and the USA, Can-Am, provided good competition and lots of fun eating and drinking, and the surprise was that the USA won by one point. As Sylvia Page said, “The U.S. squeaked by with a one-point victory, setting up a rematch for next year.”

Special thanks go to the 2024 Can-Am planning team: Dean Sinerius, Maryann Sinerius, Maurice Allen, Susan Aparicio, Helene Mein, Martine Blue, and Garnet Jones. Many hours were spent brainstorming, organizing, shopping, and cooking. On Friday the U.S. team offered cheeseburgers and other American specialties. On Saturday the Canadian team treated players and spectators to maple-glazed chicken on waffles and shrimp with bacon and pineapple on a stick.

Jeff Villareal wowed everyone with his presentation of the Bloody Mary.

The flavor of the Canadian Caesar made by Doug Page and Garnet Jones won out in the end.

The Parade of Flags is always a special moment. This year it was led by Ralph Howard and his mascot Rollo! The Canadian and U.S. national anthems were played, and the players marched onto Court 1 as the music blasted.

Martine Blue thanked all the Americans who became “Canadians” for a day so that the teams had the same number of members. The Can-Am is a great way to wrap up the season of competition.

Cottonwood Tennis Club offers a Monday night free tennis clinic led by Al Wagner, who is assisted by Ollie Johnson and Barb Jorgensen. Show up any Monday night and join in the fun.