Tennis will be taking a step back into history with the revival of the Interisland Tennis Championships to be held at Holua Tennis Center, November 6-8, 2009.

The event was first held in the Islands in the 1900s, took a few breaks here and there, and with the help of Ron Seno and Hattie Somerville, the event reappeared in the early 90s at the Royal Waikoloan. The last known winners of the Championships was the Big Island in 1993. They closely edged out Oahu, with Maui coming in a close third.

Here's how it works — while playing a regular tournament draw, individuals are also accumulating points for their Island. At the end of the tournament there will be individual event winners AND there will be an overall Island winner who gets to claim the Interisland Championship Trophy and bragging rights.

The tournament will include Men's, Women's and Mixed Doubles for 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 and 4.5 & Open divisions. Entry fees are $20 per event and $35 for two events. Entries close Monday, November 2nd at 5:00 PM. Fees include a player party on Saturday evening.

"This tournament has a great history in the islands and we thought it was time to bring it back," said Tournament Director Cheryl Shrum. "When the tournament first started, players traveled by steam ships and cane trains to get to the event, often taking a half a day or longer. So not only does it have that kind of history behind it but it was also treated as the Davis Cup of the Islands. The players get really involved in rooting for their island, creating a lot of fun and camaraderie."

Join the fun — help your island win the Championship Trophy! Entry forms are available at all the local clubs. For more information call 329-8504.
Interisland Championships Appl.pdf

Chef Adam from Lava Java Restaurant was a big winner — both with his food and the raffle.

The inaugural Sips 'N Swings Tennis Fundraiser took place Saturday, August 8th at Holua Tennis Center. The event was a tennis fundraiser for Project Tennis Backboard whose mission is to get as many tennis backboards in schools and public parks as possible.

"Our first event did really well," said co-event organizer Cheryl Shrum. "We went into it knowing the economic conditions might make it tough but surprisingly the local community was more than supportive. We can't say enough about the food the restaurants provided. It was absolutely fantastic and completely beyond our expectations. Every where I go, people are talking about both the food and the silent auction. We also had a couple of individuals make substantial donations so overall, we’re very, very grateful."

The evening festivities included food from local restaurants, wine-tasting, and a silent auction. Local tennis player and accomplished musician, Corky Woerner provided live music.

Special thanks goes to Lava Java owners Jeff and Leslie Fischer who surprised the event by bringing along their new chef Adam Condon. Other participating restaurants included Drysdales, Huggos, Krua, Kona Inn, Kona Brewery,Tracy's Tasteeze Deli and Tropical Temptations. The food was complimented by wine tasting featuring various wines served by Craig Kunitomo from Better Brands Hawaii.

Project Tennis Backboard is a new initiative whose goal is to make tennis backboards more available at schools, public parks and public tennis facilities.

"The value of using and having tennis backboards available is one of the games best kept secrets," says Shrum. "Historically, all the best tennis players in the world are tennis backboard graduates — the list includes Roger Federer, the Williams sisters, Andy Roddick, Pete Sampras and John McEnroe."

"In addition, to being the ultimate training tool — tennis backboards are the easiest, quickest and least expensive way for individuals to improve their game, having accessible tennis backboards provides an outstanding alternative to better introduce new players to tennis and, most importantly, keep them playing," she added.

"Our program is targeting schools since statistics show that is where most kids learn to play the game. Unfortunately, due to the astronomical expense, most schools and parks can't afford to build tennis courts. Tennis backboards are a cost-effective alternative. The other huge benefit, particularly to schools is that backboards can be used for other sports such soccer, basketball and baseball." said Shrum. "It's essential that communities provide playing venues for kids where they can play and participate, with or without a partner, or with or without the financial means. Tennis backboards are really a very affordable method to accomplish that."

For more information on the program or to make a donation go to www.projectttennisbackboard.com.

Linda Lanterman and Barbara Kennedy take in all the good food.

Mary Martin (Co-event coordinator) and Judy Story enjoy the spoils.

Lani Morris, Larry Morris and Lisa Malapit enjoy a few “Sips.”

Moniz & Miller high five en route to winning the Gold

Hawaii brings home 16 medals from the Summer National Senior Games at Stanford!

Palo Alto, CA
"For Brian." This was the motivation when Chickadee Moniz and Curtis Miller stepped on court to play in the MXD 50-54s draw, until they finally won the gold. The two are a part of the Hawaii delegation at the 2009 Summer National Senior Games hosted at the Stanford University Taube Tennis Center 8/4-8/14, 2009. Representation at Nationals was decided at the 2008 Hawaii Senior Olympics Tennis Championships December 6 & 7; 13 & 14 and 20 at the Kailua Racquet Club. Complete list of qualifiers below.

The following is a narrative of triumph that reflects on Chickadee's original 50s Mixed Doubles partner, Brian Miyagi, who completed his life on December 14, 2008 while playing for a medal and a position on the Hawaii delegation. Brian is remembered for his courageous, thoughtful and spirited leadership in the tennis community. His story and impact live on through Brian's many friends. Aloha to Curtis Miller who was able to pick up and play in Brian's place at Nationals.

Brian Miyagi and Chickadee Moniz at Hawaii Sr. Olympics 12/08

Brian smiling at Jill (behind the camera)

"After each match won with Curtis in the mixed, I would raise my hands to the sky and say 'This is for you Brian'. Then the goosebumps came...Curtis, turned to look at me and said "I feel it too". On our fourth and final match, I again raised my hands to the sky and said, 'Yes, Brian, this win is for you!' and then I had goosebumps for minutes. Yes, minutes...I felt a coolness come over me even though it was hot and sunny. Curtis again felt this too! I truly believe, in spirit and soul, Brian was with me on that court and helped to carry me through. What an unbelievable feeling!" - Chickadee Moniz

Chickadee Moniz and Margaret Peebles win a bronze medal in the Women's 50-54s

Wayne Sasaki and Margaret Peebles compete in the Mixed 50-54s

Results for Hawaii Tennis Players
Total players: 35
18 Women
17 Men
Players may have qualified for three categories (singles, doubles & mixed doubles) but could only compete in two of the three categories.

Overall Results:
7 - Gold Medals
4 - Silver Medals
5 - Bronze Medals
3 - 4th Place Ribbons
2 - Consolation Winners
1 - Consolation Finalist
3 - Consolation Semi-Finalists

Listed below are the names of players who qualified for the 2009 Summer National Senior Games, Senior Olympics in Palo Alto, CA, Stanford University campus. August 3 – 15, 2009.

Players in italics entered that tennis category for the 2009 Summer National Senior Games. HIT celebrates you! Thank you for representing Hawaii so well. Congratulations! -Leilani

55 Women Singles
1) Katie Anderson
2) Tracy Byrnes

60 Women Singles
1) Pat Neils

65 Women Singles
1) Lurline Fujii – Gold Medal Winner
2) Betty Clark

75 Women Singles
1) Hattie Somerville – Consolation Winner
2) Pat Chafin – Consolation Semi Finalist

50 Women Doubles
1) Margaret Peebles & Chickadee Moniz – Bronze Medal Winner
2) Leslie Au-Young & Monica Cullis

55 Women Doubles
1) Eloise Murashige & Tracy Byrnes

65 Women Doubles
1) Jane Pang & Sue Ashford – Gold Medal Winner
2) Betty Clark & Vi Subiaga – 5th Place
3) Margaret Fessler & Etsuko Ito – Bronze Medal Winner
4) Naomi Hill & Sylvia (Sam) Wright

70 Women Doubles
1) Diane Asimakopoulos & Kay Nakaganeku – Consolation Semi Finalists

75 Women Doubles
1) Hattie Somerville & Pat Chafin – Bronze Medal Winner

50 Mixed Doubles
1) Margaret Peebles & Wayne Sasaki – Consolation Finalist
2) Kathy Esposito-Mason & Monty Neal
3) Chickadee Moniz & Curtis Miller – Gold Medal Winner

55 Mixed Doubles
1) Tracy Byrnes & Eugene Lee – Gold Medal Winner
2) Katie Anderson & Allwyn Chao – Silver Medal Winner
60 Mixed Doubles
1) Mako Schoening & Ray Handy – Gold Medal Winner
2) Diane Hiatt & Mohammad Ashraf
3) Eloise Murashige & Les Nakasone
4) Pauly Ahres & Ignacio Diago

65 Mixed Doubles
1) Lurline Fujii & Mike Kubo – Silver Medal Winner
2) Renee Provines & James Provines
3) Betty Clark & Ron Sera
4) Jane Pang & Jerry Bona – Gold Medal Winner

70 Mixed Doubles
1) Vi Subiaga & Richard Tahara

50 Men Singles
1) Derek Young – Bronze Medal Winner
2) Lee Au
3) Gale Ching
4) John Burns

55 Men singles
1) Randy Yanagi – Consolation Winner
2) Andres Libed – 4th Place
3) Jack Blezard
4) Vince Costello

60 Men Singles
1) Ray Handy
2) Jerry Bona
3) Mike Gabbard
4) Lester Nakasone

65 Men Singles
1) James Provines (out of State)
2) John Marrack

70 Men Singles
1) Tom Sugita
2) Ed Amor

75 Men Singles
1) Roger Hing – Silver Medal Winner
2) Benny Quiseng
3) Norbert Baysa – Consolation Semi Finalist

80 Men Singles
1) Tom Carpenter
2) Wynam Williams

50 Men Doubles
1) Derek Young & Dale Parham – 4th Place
2) Gale Ching & Darwin Ching

55 Men Doubles
1) Mike Kubo & Eugene Lee
2) Andres Libed & Wayne Sasaki – 4th Place
3) Monty Neal & George Nations

60 Men Doubles
1) Curtis Miller & Ray Handy – Gold Medal Winner
2) Mohammad Ashraf & Lester Nakasone – Bronze Medal Winner
3) Esmond Marks & Paul Tomar
4) Jerry Bona & Allwyn Chao

65 Men Doubles
1) Ko Isayama & Clint Churchill
2) Dennis Chai & Jon Stanley
3) Richard Tahara & Ron Sera
4) Edward Meyer & Pete Love
5) Allwyn Chao & Mike Kubo

70 Men Doubles
1) Ed Amor & Tom Sugita
2) Roger Hing & Pat Low
3) Mike Fuller & Bob McGlone

75 Men Doubles
1) Benny Quiseng & Norbert Baysa – Silver Medal Winner

80 Men Doubles
1) Tom Carpenter & Wynam Williams

2011 Summer National Games will be held in Houston, TX
George R. Brown Convention Center – Downtown Houston
University of Houston
Memorial Park and others (13 of 18 sports are scheduled to in air-conditioned venues)
June 19, - July 5, 2011

Please help us to celebrate all and add comments, photos, video to the comments area. Thank you to Lurline Fujii 65 Women Singles – Gold Medal Winner for the results, and to Sue Ashford and Chickadee Moniz, contributors.

More HIT articles pertaining to this topic:

Going to Stanford
Brian Miyagi: A Champion of Principle and Character
2009 Hawaii Sr. Olympians Shine at KRC
HIT announces Members' choice for HPS Nom.Comm.
Brian's Page on HIT

HIT and KDTA Tennis Volunteers with Kauai Mayor Carvalho and his wife, Regina

Between 700-1000 Kauaians showed up for the Hawaii Health Guide Kauai Healing Garden Festival at Kilohana on Saturday, August 22. The Hawaiian Isles Tennis and KDTA volunteers presented the HIT Play Tennis! event and put a tennis racket into many attendees hands for some activity on the lawn. Was fun! People of all ages and stages were encouraged to play, stay active and develop a strong sense of wellness the more they play and get together in community.

Annabel, Shay, Leilani, Madison and Lani Rae (not pictured) did the demo on center stage.

On Sunday, Lani Rae Green trained for three hours with Leilani Magee to promote fluid, trainable, effective movement and to focus her efforts. The Boys & Girls Club Play Tennis! event at the Waimea Clubhouse took place on Monday and was over the top fun with impressive participation by youth and volunteers. More pics to follow.

Mahalo nui to Kauai's community and tennis players for spending time with us on Saturday. It was my pleasure to get together. For a direct connection to tennis in Hawaii, join HIT at www.hitennis.net. There's no charge, and an abundance of aloha.

Annabel and Madison stepped up to demonstrate mini tennis in front of a couple hundred people.

Mini-tennis outdoors on grass is easy and accessible.

Jerry Green volunteers at Play Tennis!

Shay Orial and Lani Rae Green before taking center stage!

Kauai District Tennis Assn. President, Carolyn Lum, Asst. to the Mayor Gary Heu and Leilani

Tennis for all!