STARS Serves Up Tennis Competition

AVON PARK - Special STARS served up a smashing great tennis competition on Saturday at the South Florida Community College tennis courts.

There were 20 special athletes who either competed in tennis skills or doubles. At the skill level, athletes are taught for two weeks the various strokes and then tested on each skill.

Members from Crystal Lake Club and the Highlands County Tennis Association provided volunteers to come out and teach the various tennis skills to the athletes.

This was the first year for 8-year-old Kenny Stoll to come out and play tennis, and he was eager to learn and enjoyed the one-on-one instruction.

"I pretty much liked all of it," Stoll said, noting he especially liked serving the ball and trying to hit it in the service box.

"He had a wonderful time playing and it was great for him to be a part of something that was athletic but not as competitive. This allowed him to excel in the sport," his mom Carol said. "It think it was a great boost for his self esteem."

"What was very rewarding to watch Kenny smile from ear to ear as he received his first ever first-place medal," said Special STARS Coordinator Cindy Marshall. "This is the youngest player we have ever had to come out for tennis and it is great to work with the younger kids. We do have a couple high school students competing but the majority are adults. I would love to see more children come out to learn next year."

Stoll, who is the son of Brad and Carol Stoll of Sebring, defeated Leslie Hollandy, of Sebring, in one division of skill level competition. Kenny Stoll attends Fred Wild Elementary School.

Sebring High School students Megan Eisnaugle took first place and Dustin Akey won second in another skill level division. Carlita Hawkins, of Avon Park, came in third.
Avon Park residents Helena Spies won first and Sandra Harper won second in their division.

Emily Lavely, of Sebring, came out for her first attempt at playing tennis and took home a first place medal in skills. She beat Sharon Carpenter, of Avon Park, who got second and Annie Horn, of Sebring, who won third.

In the doubles competition, the players played one set. There were two divisions of doubles.

Betty Burnett, of Lake Placid, and Alex Lopez, of Sebring, teamed up against John Smith and Joe Singha, both of Sebring, to win 6-0. Eva Monk, of Avon Park, and Owen Barnhill, of Sebring, paired up to play against Nicole Lewis, of Avon Park, and Shawn Squires, of Sebring, and won 6-3.

The players received their medals at an awards ceremony at Homer's Smorgasbord after they ate lunch.

Special STARS athletes prepare to play basketball next at Avon Park Recreation Center starting May 17. For more information, call 452-6607.