632984015 1203363875310224 4997602614897578056 N — (City of Pell City)

Last month, members of the Pell City Tennis Program traveled to Arizona to compete in the United State Tennis Association’s Adult 65 and Over 7.0 National Invitational—and the group left with a championship.

The road to the national stage started last year when the program won the Alabama state championship in Dothan before taking down other state champions at the Southwest Regional tournament in Memphis.

And that momentum did not slow down when they reached Arizona, claiming the program’s first ever national championship.

“People always asked us along the way, ‘How many days a week do y’all play?’ I always tell them, “A week? Don’t you mean how many times a day?”
Darryl Hardy, team member via Pell City

632146122 1203363548643590 3931199266866136974 N — (City of Pell City)

Members of the team were recognized at a City Council Meeting this week as they donned their national championship medals. Some of the members even said they “know now what it feels like to win a Super Bowl.”

Tennis Pro Sarah Stewart said Pell City bested national tennis hubs – clubs with thousands of members – like Southern California and Naples, FL, on its path to the title.

During the meeting, Stewart credited Team Captain Ronnie McFarling for his leadership throughout the tournament and Craig Tumlin for his ongoing efforts in organizing the men’s program. She also acknowledged tennis instructors Bronson Tucker and Clint Brewer for their commitment to developing talent across all skill levels in the community.

The Pell City Tennis will display the team’s National Championship sign at the local courts at the Pell City Civic Center.

“Winning a UTSA League Championship means competing against the best of the best in the country – squads formed from tennis clubs with thousands of members, like those in Los Angeles and Orlando. The Pell City team, organized by Craig Tumlin, first won the Alabama title and then the Southeast Regionals on their way to claiming the National Championship in Surprise, AZ, in January. We are so proud of these players and proud of this program. Congratulations, Pell City Tennis!”
Pell City Parks and Recreation on Facebook

Pell City Tennis Program

632093997 1203363871976891 1772137034386915340 N — (City of Pell City)

Pell City’s tennis center includes 10 lighted hard courts, all equipped with wind screens. The program offers year round events for children and adults of all ages and all skill levels.