Battle for the Saddle at SaddleBrooke Ranch
The new year got off to a swinging start! Braving the rain, wind, and cold, 123 players competed in the first Battle for the Saddle doubles tennis tournament. Held at the SaddleBrooke Ranch (SBR) tennis courts, the two-day event was a friendly competition between the SaddleBrooke Ranch Tennis Association (SBRTA) and its neighboring club at SaddleBrooke.
Battle for the Saddle was the brainchild of Mark Adamson (SBRTA board president) and Anne Williams of the SaddleBrooke Tennis Club (STC). The event featured men’s and women’s doubles, mixed doubles, as well as POP tennis exhibition matches. Players competed to win the coveted Battle for the Saddle trophy. In addition, the talented Dave Stark designed and built the newly created trophy in the SBR wood shop.
The competition was exciting. SBRTA player Marcia McChrystal said, “The competition was fierce at all levels, as proven by the amount of third set tie-breakers played. Players were matched up according to ratings. Aside from a few last-minute substitutions, the matches were highly competitive and close. A great time was had by all.”
Who Won Battle for the Saddle?
Following the last match of the tournament, SBRTA hosted their SaddleBrooke teammates at a post-event social in the Sol Ballroom. It was time to announce the winner. The winner of the coveted trophy was the SaddleBrooke Ranch team!
Thanks to the success of the tournament and its organizers—Mark Adamson, Paula Cartwright, Sue Cook, and Anne Williams—Battle for the Saddle will continue as an annual event.
“Never in our wildest of dreams would we have envisioned ‘The Ranch’ planning and executing a perfect event,” said Ms. Williams. “The bar has been set very high for the SaddleBrooke Tennis Club to host next year’s tournament. The Ranch handed the torch off to SaddleBrooke for the 2024 event. But the Battle Has Just Begun!”
Written by Kathie Marshall
About SaddleBrooke Ranch Tennis Association
The SaddleBrooke Ranch Tennis Association (SBRTA) was founded in late 2011 with the purpose of stimulating and maintaining interest in tennis at SaddleBrooke Ranch; to promote good fellowship and sportsmanship; and to enhance the social and recreational lifestyle of active adults at SaddleBrooke Ranch. All levels of skill are welcome.
Whether your interests include tennis or fine arts, SaddleBrooke Ranch, a resort living community for ages 55 plus located just north of Tucson in Oracle, Arizona is full of fun activities, clubs, events, and much more.
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