by Mit Carothers
The U.S. 60s & 70s were hosted by the Aiken Tennis Club Friday, March 16th – Sunday, March 18th. Sixteen players, eleven of whom played in multiple events, booked the court for ten hours of practice on Thursday prior to the start of the tournament on Friday morning.
Singles matches kicked the tournament off at 8:30 Friday morning. In the 70s singles Dick Tanfield defeated Temple Grassi 6-1, 6-0. Four matches in the 60’s singles followed with Steve Hufford over Rowan Carroll 6-4, 6-3, Greg Van Schaack a 6-2, 6-2 winner over Ginny Goodyear, Peter Vogt defeated Jim Geddes 6-1, 6-1 and Bruce Manson, 6-0 and 6-0 versus Grassi. The semifinals paired Steve Hufford and Greg Van Schaack with Hufford advancing to Sunday’s final in three sets 5-6, 6-1 and 6-2. Bruce Manson earned a spot in the finals in his semifinal match versus Peter Vogt 6-0, 6-0. In three sets of great strategy, timely shot making and perseverance Bruce Manson prevailed over Steve Hufford 0-6, 6-5, 6-4 to claim the championship.
Following that final was the 70s singles final featuring Dick Tanfield versus Aiken’s Duncan Rutherfurd. Duncan was instrumental in the Aiken Tennis Club hosting the tournament. In a final in which both player’s skill, experience and determination were on display to a gallery filling the dedans and first three rows in the viewing room, Tanfield won the championship in three tense sets 6-5, 3-6, 6-4.
Dick Tanfield paired with partner Alex Walsh to win his second championship of the weekend in the 70s Doubles with another three set win over teammates Jonathan Pardee and Thomas Rowe 6-2, 5-6, 6-3.
In the 60s doubles Pardee and Rowe also teamed up winning over Grassi/Goodyear 6-0, 6-4. Alan Rutherfurd/Jim Geddes played Greg Van Schaack/Peter Clement with the later coming out on top 6-3, 6-0. Rowan Carroll and Dick Tanfield (yes, the same Dick Tanfield) took on Aiken’s Rhett Riviere and Charlie Bostwick winning 6-1, 6-2. The semifinals matchups were Hufford/Vogt versus Rowe/Pardee, Hufford and Vogt winning 6-4, 6-1 and Van Schaack/Clement defeating Tanfield/Carroll 6-1, 6-2. In the final Van Schaack and Clement won 6-5 and 6-1 versus Hufford and Vogt. It should be noted that set point in the first set was called on the floor by Steve Hufford against himself when Greg Van Schaack cut to a chase better than two to win the point and set.
The entire tournament was marked by good sportsmanship and tight matches. Matches were ably called by Trey Bogue, Geoff Ellis, Jason Rabun and Mit Carothers. The food and hospitality served by Robert and Cheryl Glance, and accommodations for visiting players coordinated by Dan Mayfield were much appreciated. Photography by George Handy Jr. and Katherine Thomas and live streaming by Lou Papouchado as well as the support of so many others attending the matches created an atmosphere of enjoyment for all.
Vogt, Hufford, Van Schaack & Clement
Michael Sullivan, Dick Tanfield, Duncan Rutherfurd, Tennis Chair Mit Carothers
Trey Bogue, Tanfield, Walsh, Rowe, Pardee & Michael Sullivan
Michael Sullivan, Bruce Manson, Steve Hufford, Mit Carothers and club pro Trey Bogue
