Playing like champions

Published 12:05 am Friday, July 29, 2016

Instructors Paul Smith and Monica King stand with boys’ advanced champion Ethan Shellhouse and runner-up Woosol Kim.

Instructors Paul Smith and Monica King stand with boys’ advanced champion Ethan Shellhouse and runner-up Woosol Kim.

The City of Andalusia’s summer tennis camp wrapped up on Thursday with the campers battling within their respective divisions for the tournament championship.

The divisions consist of 8-and-under girls and boys, 9-10 girls and boys, beginner boys and girls and advanced boys and girls.

“It’s been another good year of tennis camp,” instructor Paul Smith said. “We have had a lot of very good competition in the tournaments this week.”

Ana Bell Bryant won the advanced girls’ tournament and Savanah Detwiler finished as the runner-up.

Ana Bell Bryant won the advanced girls’ tournament and Savanah Detwiler finished as the runner-up.

Smith said that the growth in each division has been great this year.

“I’ve really noticed a lot of improvement from the campers,” Smith said. “They have really came out this year with the intent of learning something. They are having a good time as well, but the biggest thing is that they want and are eager to learn.”

Connor Dalton took the top spot in the intermediate boys’ championship and Justin Osborne was runner-up.

Connor Dalton took the top spot in the intermediate boys’ championship and Justin Osborne was runner-up.

With tennis camp wrapping up, many campers were already talking about next summer’s camp.

“I’m ready for next summer,” Nathan Shellhouse said. “I can’t wait to come back because it was a so much fun.”

Smith said he hopes all the kids return next year.

“It’s when they return year after year, that’s when you can really see improvement,” Smith said. “Just look at the ones that are returners this year. They have gotten better.”

Paige Garvin brought home the intermediate girls’ championship and Mei Chen finished the tournament as runner-up .

Paige Garvin brought home the intermediate girls’ championship and Mei Chen finished the tournament as runner-up .