Divisional tennis here
By Larry Cheek
Of the Tobacco Valley News
For the first time ever, Lincoln County High School will host a West divisional tennis tournament in Eureka. In the past, the tournament has been held in Libby, but the Libby courts are in disrepair and not considered suitable for tournament play. Libby is in the process of raising funds for new courts, but those are a ways off.
Dave and Kathy Nelson of Libby will be tournament directors.
The Eureka tennis players say they are excited to have the tournament in Eureka. “I’m really happy to have the tournament in Eureka,” said the Lions No. 1 singles player Martina Quade. “It gives us a home court advantage. It’s a territorial thing. We also don’t have to get up as early to travel.”
Doubles player Sasha Trudeau said, “Having the tournament in Eureka will allow family and friends to attend.”
Having the tournament locally does put additional work on the school staff and family members of the players. Tournament T-shirts have to be made and it’s up to the team to run the concession stand.
The Eureka tournament will just be for the girls teams. Both Troy and Mission have boys teams, but they will play at a separate location to decide seeding for state. Since so few Class B-C teams have boys tennis, all boys go to state.
There will be a coaches meeting at 9:30 a.m. Friday and play will begin at 10 a.m. The top five singles players and top three doubles teams will qualify for the state tournament May 15 to 17 in Missoula at the University of Montana courts.