Maybe these guys (and gal) will retire from playing tennis when they hit 90, or 100. Right now, however, these 80-(something) year-olds play a spirited game of tennis on a regular basis. All are valuable and beloved members of the Cook County Tennis Association. (L-R) Carlton (Tex) Hoy, George Oullis, Frankie Jarchow and Rod Wannebo.
Allen Campbell’s Restaurant in Grand Marais was the site of the Cook County Tennis Association’s annual meeting Tuesday, Sept. 7 and in between the good food and the visiting, an excellent review of last year’s accomplishments and next year’s goals was shared.
“To date we have 97 members, including one who joined tonight,” said Gene Glader, president of the association.
“We’re still short three people to reach our goal of 100, but we may reach that in the near future,” noted Glader.
With his two-year-term almost up, Glader complimented the members on their success in having raised almost one-quarter of a million dollars, but also stated, “New blood is needed in leadership. And even though we have raised a lot of money, more will be needed to maintain the courts. We live in northern Minnesota and the courts are going to crack and buckle unless they are taken care of. Fund raising will always be an issue.”
Above: John Muus looks on as Gene Glader presents Molly Zafft with a certificate of appreciation for teaching tennis over the summer. The tennis association is very appreciative of the youth leaders in its program. Left: Rod Wannebo, Tennis Association vice-president presented Glader with an award, thanking him for his hard work and dedication to the tennis association.
Rod Wannebo, vice president of administration and marketing, said, “Over the last year the CCTA has promoted Grand Marais and Cook County as a tourist destination throughout Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and western Wisconsin by providing tennis playing opportunities for locals and tourists alike.”
The CCTA has also sent news releases to newspapers in northeastern Minnesota advertising its two tournaments, and has, “concentrated on convincing local motels, resorts, tourist organizations and real estate agencies to mention our public tennis courts and the CCTA in their promotional literature and websites,” said Wannebo.
John Muus gave an update about program participation. “I would like to recognize Carl Johnson for volunteering to help with the lower level and intermediate adult players. He also coached one of the girls on the high school team.
“We had a successful Fisherman’s Picnic tournament and 41 in the USTA Team Tennis summer league.”
The spring after-school USTA Jr. Team Tennis program had 65 participants and the summer USTA National Jr. Tennis League had 43 participants.
“The girls’ varsity tennis team currently has five members and we have already competed against a couple of teams. The boys’ varsity tennis team will compete in the spring and looks like they will have 10 or more players come out.
“We had to cancel Cardio Tennis which was scheduled in the spring due to a lack of interest. We will re-schedule that next year. The Cook County Tennis Block Party had more than 75 participants and the recreational workshop had 23 attending.”
Muus also thanked a handful of people for their contributions and noted that a USTA grant of $5,000 that the organization had received for 13 years wasn’t awarded to the club this year. “We used that money to help fund varsity tennis for the school, so next year we will have to find another way to pay for the program.”
Dave Smith gave the facilities report, which was highlighted by the announcement that a drinking fountain will be available next summer. He also said that the fence and the shed were completed and that cracks on some of the courts would be fixed next year. “We would also like to get player benches on all of the courts,” said Smith.
Glader gave awards to people who have made significant contributions to Cook County tennis. Those receiving certificates of appreciation were Molly Zafft, Carl (for teaching) and Marlis Johnson (fundraising), Jim Ringquist (computer and graphic work), John Wolf (accounting), and then, in a surprise, Wannebo presented Glader with an award.
“I want to thank Gene for all of his hard work and dedication to the tennis association,” said Wannebo.
“It’s been three years since I have been paralyzed,” said Glader. “This involvement has been good for me socially, physically, physiologically and spiritually. I value my time here and appreciate everybody’s help. Thishas been a great experience and I am grateful for all of your support.”
Glader’s plaque read, in part, “As president Gene was instrumental in the planning of the reconstruction project, keeping us focused on the talk of raising necessary funds, and did an excellent job in representing the CCTA in countless meetings to help the community understand the importance of tennis in the community.”
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