Most everyone at the Cottonwood Tennis Club will recognize Dick Kane and Carl Day, currently our oldest weekly players. Here are some interesting facts about these two accomplished members.
Dick Kane (who turned 90 last December) became a full-time resident in Sun Lakes after being a snowbird from Kansas City for 18 years. Originally from Fairfield, Iowa, Dick obtained a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering. Dick has lived and worked in Iowa, Arkansas, Texas, and Kansas. Dick was married for 50 years before becoming a widower and is now in a partnership with another club member, Felisa Kulba. He has worked as an engineer, product liability manager, and property manager. Dick took up tennis 50 years ago and has been a Cottonwood Tennis Club member for 28 years. He assisted, then directed the Thursday night drop-in tennis for about 10 years and managed the Friday mixed tennis league for 12 years. He also often volunteered at the food court. When not on the courts, Dick likes to walk, run, and go to the gym for core exercises. He enjoys playing cards and Dominoes, visiting with friends, and traveling. He has visited Alaska, Hawaii, California, Florida, Panama, and Canada. He went to Wimbledon, has taken many cruises, and has always enjoyed the Sun Lakes-sponsored bus trips. Dick’s favorite tennis move is the forehand cross court, and we all know his wicked serve! Other good points about tennis for Dick are the fun and friendly competition.
Carl Day was originally from Indiana. He and his wife Georgia came to Sun Lakes 30 years ago from Washington, D.C. Carl has also lived in Maryland and Virginia. Carl obtained a bachelor’s degree in engineering and served six years in the Army before enjoying a successful career with NBC as both a news editor and producer. Carl joined the Cottonwood Tennis Club 11 years ago but has played tennis for approximately 50 years. Carl took early lessons from Van Der Meer Tennis Academy in Hilton Head, S.C., and more lessons from Jason Morton for whom the Oakwood tennis courts are named. Carl thinks he has forgotten most of the things he learned! Unfortunately, Carl experienced some injuries along the way, such as a broken Achilles tendon and three wrist fractures, but he hasn’t let that stop him. Carl loves traveling, visiting 49 states, over 50 countries, and 19 cruises! Carl also enjoys trivia, Dominoes, poker, and dining out. Carl said his favorite tennis move is the forehand, and he likes being outside and active. Carl’s advice to all tennis members? “Better to wear out than rust out.” Carl turned 90 in April.
Things our nonagenarians have in common? They remember playing on dirt courts. Both agree the big tennis changes these past 30 years are the equipment prices and technology and CourtReserve. Cottonwood Tennis Club boasts a diverse membership, and we admire these jovial, courteous gentlemen on the courts.