Tennis in the Battlefords

With the removal of the Kinsmen Swimming Pool and the adjacent five tennis courts to facilitate new housing, three new tennis courts have been constructed. This change from five to three courts brought about contemplating the history of tennis in the Battlefords.

In the 1950s two cinder-based tennis courts were situated on what are now the CN parking lots on Railway Ave. Two of the best players were Harold Gilles and Jim Horton. They combined to form a formidable doubles team, winning many senior doubles tournaments.

When those two courts were demolished, tennis subsided for a time only to be revived when three new asphalt courts were built at the recreational field at the Sask. Hospital. A tennis club was formed with 60 to 70 members.

In the early 1970s two new asphalt courts, sponsored by the Battleford Central Youth Committee, were built in Battleford next to the old land titles building east of the Queen's Bench Court House. Once again tennis flourished with players waiting to use the courts.

With tennis gaining in popularity and more players from North Battleford wanting to learn the game, the demand and pressure for more tennis courts grew. The Elks Club of North Battleford built five new asphalt courts next to the Kinsmen Swimming Pool. Tennis again flourished with members forming a new club under the direction of the North Battleford's recreation department.

In 1984 the Saskatchewan Summer Games were hosted here. The opening ceremonies were July 27. Fortunately we had the prerequisite four courts needed to host the games so tennis was able to be included. Zone 7 tennis players were in fine form. Medals were won in all of the five events with three silver and two bronze. Zone 7 finished second in tennis.

The following were presented their medals July 24: Rob Lumsdon , silver in men's singles; Debbie Iwanchuk, silver in women's singles; Jim McFaul and Ian Fisher, silver in men's doubles; Vivian Oborowsky (now Graw) and Susan Sprecker, bronze in women's doubles; Jim McFaul and Susan Sprecker, bronze in mixed doubles.

Undoubtedly these players helped Zone 7 to win the 1984 Saskatchewan Summer Games. In the July 31st issue of the News-Optimist it was reported this was "the first time in the history of the games that athletes representing a zone outside the major cities of Saskatoon and Regina have won the points championship."

Once again the tennis club has been revived with a qualified tennis coach at its helm. Jordan Piller moved into the community three years ago from Saskatoon.

At one time tennis was considered a rich person's game and a "sissy game" because of the white dress code and some of the scoring terms - "love, set and match." Far from this, tennis requires good eye and hand co-ordination, agility, quick feet, stamina and a good sense of court strategy.

Tennis can be played by young and old, rich and poor. The oldest who play regularly during summer are septuagenarians and the youngest are children who play with "junior" rackets.

The new courts are waiting for players to bring a racket and play at no cost whatsoever. What better way to keep fit while enjoying the comradeship of players from all walks of life, several who have recently emigrated from other countries to our community?

Acknowledgements to the North Battleford Library and the North Battleford Sports Museum and Hall of Fame for help in providing historic information on tennis in the Battlefords.