Tennis draws young and old to Cancer Challenge

Lynn Atkins/The Weekly Vista Tony Alexander of Mid-Amercan Display traveled from Louisville, Ky., to play at the Cancer Challenge Golf Tournament on Friday.

Lynn Atkins/The Weekly Vista Tony Alexander of Mid-Amercan Display traveled from Louisville, Ky., to play at the Cancer Challenge Golf Tournament on Friday.

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Standing in his former stomping ground, watching kids rush past with tennis rackets ready, Paul Pautsch said he can't remember how he managed the event for so many years. Now, coming out of retirement to help tennis director Patrick Hennessy at the Cancer Challenge Tennis Tournament, he realizes how much effort goes into a successful event.

He thinks this is his 24th year at the Cancer Challenge, but he's not sure. It's been a long time and he's been at every one.

On Thursday, 29 junior tennis players participated. For the younger players, it may be the only fundraiser tournament of the year, he said. Like the adult players, the juniors each got a goody bag, although theirs contained kid-friendly snacks and even toothpaste. Before they played, they heard about the Cancer Challenge and why it's important.

On Friday it was the adult's turn.

"It's a lot of fun. It's more recreational then competitive," said Cherie Geiser, president of the Bella Vista Tennis Association.

Geiser didn't start playing until she was retired, so she's a lower-level player, but that doesn't matter at the Cancer Challenge. Players are matched to other players at their own level, so everyone can enjoy the game. Also, there's always a party on Thursday night.

Athelyn Buckley has placed in the Cancer Challenge for 14 years, although she took this year off because of an injury. She was still at the tennis center, helping to support a good cause.

"It's good, fun, social tennis," she said. "It's very well organized."

Natalie Blevins played in the junior tournament, then returned on Friday to substitute during the adult tournament. A member of the Bentonville High School tennis team, she plays as many tournaments as possible. Bella Vista is where she grew up playing tennis with Pautsch, she said.

General News on 06/14/2017