Dave Wilcox

The Tennis Club held its annual Awards Banquet in recognition of over 50 volunteers who provide the talent and energy enabling the many play, social, fundraising and membership promotion activities that distinguish this outstanding club.

As volunteers gathered at the Poolside Cafe, the eveing began with an hour of wonderful background music provided by The Rokusek’s. The dinner was catered by Stone & Barrel with an Italian theme. This was followed by a chocolate cake to top the celebration.

The outgoing president, Dave Wilcox, took to the podium to recognize many of the individuals present. This included those who set up weekly matches for the various groups and those helping at each of the tournaments during the season, with Dar Brasch and Mike Davin as the tournament coordinators. The Azarros were singled out for their efforts in providing food throughout the Don Neu Memorial tournament.

The big award each year is our club Volunteer of the Year. Instead of just one award, this year, the Board of Directors decided to present awards to a Volunteer Man of the year and Volunteer Woman of the year.

John Radcliffe was recognized for his work on managing the 2018 Jason Morton tournament. 2018 was just one of the many years he has provided leadership in making this USTA-sanctioned tournament a crown jewel of the IronOaks Tennis Club. This tournament, enabled by our premier tennis facility, annually attracts over 100 participants throughout the Southwest providing exposure to our attractive IronOaks community.

Vivian Guimond was selected as our outstanding Woman Volunteer of the Year. She has taken on so many duties over the past years, from Social volunteer coordinator to membership, seeing that all new players find games and other players at their levels. Her latest initiative involved the creation of the Charity Dinner Dance… becoming another “jewel” in the IOTC crown. In its second year and in cooperation with the Cottonwood Palo Verde Foundation, a check for $10,700 was delivered to the Neighbors Who Care organization!

The tennis club appreciates all of its members who contribute to making our club so active and welcoming to all players. Further, the club is most fortunate to have Coach Kwong, tennis professional, adding innovation to our activities and providing tennis lessons to newcomers and all. If you are interested in learning tennis or in “re-learning” tennis, Coach Kwong Young has a free weekly program to get you started. You can reach him at [email protected] or 480-317-3655.