Spring Tennis is for all ages

This season, the local tennis players are getting into the swing of things a little earlier than usual.

“I’m excited to get the tennis programs going so early. This is probably the first time we’ve been playing tennis in April in the 10 years I’ve been doing this,” said Tahoe Tennis Academy coach Justin Clark.

This spring, Clark is offering tennis clinics, classes and tournaments for all ages.

For the youth, a two-week clinic for grades four through seven is held every Monday and Wednesday from 3:45 to 5:30 p.m. Grades eight through 12 play every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:45 to 5:30 p.m. Tournaments for all grades will be played Saturdays from noon to 2 p.m. at South Tahoe High School.

“Anyone thinking about playing tennis in high school should sign up,” Clark said.

Registration costs $50 for each two-week clinic and the clinics run through June 15. There is a discount of $25 for families who sign up two or more players. The tennis academy also has demo racquets available for use.

For adults, the academy offers Match Play Saturdays. These are competitive and social co-ed open singles and doubles ladders. Singles ladders are played on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon at South Tahoe High School. Doubles are played from 2 to 4 p.m. also on Saturdays. Drops ins are encouraged and there is a $5 entry fee. The money will go to the Lake Tahoe Unified School District tennis funds.

For college students, Clark also teaches a six-week tennis class at Lake Tahoe Community College beginning May 20. Classes for beginners to intermediates are held Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:15 to 8:05 p.m.

Classes for intermediate to advanced are held Tuesdays and Thursdays also from 6:15 to 8:05 p.m. There are still a couple of spaces left in both classes.

For more information check out http://www.justinclark.usptapro.com.

Golfing for a good cause

South Tahoe and Whittell’s 26th Annual Booster Club Golf Tournament will be held May 4 and 5 at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course. This fun filled event includes a chance to win trophies, raffle prizes, a closest to the pin contest, and a hole in one prize.

The $125 entry fee includes 18 holes of golf, a golf cart, and Whittell’s famous booster club lunch. Each day is an individual tournament with a scramble format. Individuals, couples, and foursomes are welcome.

“This annual fundraiser is a joint effort between South Tahoe and Whittell High School Booster Clubs to raise much needed funds for our local students,” said Kevin Kjer, tournament director.

Due to the generosity and support of Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, all of the funds raised go directly to the schools. Last year more than $28,000 was raised.

“Please come enjoy a day of golf at a fantastic course and support our schools. It is a casual tournament and lots of fun,” Kjer said.

For a sign-up form please contact Kevin Kjer at 775-588-6354 or email at kjkjer@aol.com.

South Tahoe to hold cheer and dance team tryouts

Don’t miss the South Tahoe High School cheer and dance team tryouts, which will be held Friday, May 24 at 5:30 p.m. in South Tahoe’s Blue Gym. A tryout clinic will be held Monday through Friday, May 20-23, from 5-7 p.m. also in the South Tahoe Blue Gym.

During the clinic, potential cheerleaders and dancers will be taught the tryout material.

All potential cheerleaders and dancers must fill out fall athletic clearance paperwork. Incoming freshmen must have a physical and concussion test. Concussion tests can be done online at home.

Please turn in paperwork at South Tahoe High School on Monday, May 20, with proof of physical and concussion test when you sign in at the gym.

For more information please email Lia at tahoevikingspirit@gmail.com.