Rowe, Laughlin Soar To Win

Experience paid off for the duo of Grant Rowe and Terry Loughlin in the Snowbird Flyaway Tennis Tournament on Sunday at the Thakkar Tennis Center at the Country Club of Sebring.

Rowe and Loughlin teamed up to win the A Division, while Dr. T.C. Lackey, who was a tournament co-sponsor, and Mickey Byrd placed second.

In the B Division, Danny Ritter and Mike Reed combined to finish first, while James Broen and his son Jake, a former Sebring player, were runner-up.

Ritter, who was a standout for the Sebring High tennis team two years ago, and Reed, who is a junior on the Blue Streak tennis squad, outlasted the Broen duo in a heated battle.

The two-day tournament, which was played on the well-manicured clay courts, was a fundraiser for the Good Shepherd Hospice House.

The Good Shepherd Hospice House is going to be built on Hammock Road.

"We had a great turnout and the weather was outstanding," said head tennis professional Horace Watkis. "This is the first time for the tournament as a fundraiser for the Good Shepherd Hospice and we hope to make this an annual event.

"Tennis continues to grow in popularity and we're just glad to be involved with the community."

In the B Division Consolation, Chris Horto and Kyle Komisar came in first, while Dr. Anurag Khurana and his son Milind, came in second.

Janie Hollinger and Betsey Baer won the women's championship, while Camellia Perrell and Betty Parks were runner-up.

"The quality of tennis was excellent and the tournament was a success," said tournament coordinator Mickey Byrd. "Our sponsors were very gracious and it was enjoyable playing for such a worthy cause.

"I want to thank Bobby Fulcher for all the work he does for the Highlands County Tennis Association and his generous contributions to the tournament."