THE PARTICIPANTS in the 2021 Geoffrey Walter Jr. Tennis Tournament included (from left) Drew Schermerhorn, Sean Doherty, Luke Greif, Kevin DeGray, Matt Conley, Michael Leary, Ben Palmer and Zach Kavanagh. (Courtesy Photo)
During first partnership with Wakefield Open
WAKEFIELD — The tradition of the Geoffrey Walter Junior Tennis Tournament returned to the Dobbins Courts as the junior division of this year’s new Wakefield Open Tennis Tournament.
After missing last year due to the pandemic, four teams of doubles players competed on Friday afternoon, Aug. 20 in a Round Robin format. While the format was new for the junior tournament, the players brought the same high level of tennis and sportsmanship for which the Geoffrey Walter Tournament is known.
The competition was excellent and after the three rounds, the team of Luke Greif and Kevin DeGray edged the duo of Matt Conley and Michael Leary by a single point, 30-29. The pairs of Ben Palmer and Zack Kavanagh and Drew Schermerhorn and Sean Doherty finished with 16 and nine points respectively.
The matches featured great court coverage, excellent shot making and sharp net play. The Wakefield High tennis team was well represented with seven of the eight players, including next year’s team captains: Matt Conley and Michael Leary. Middle schooler Zack Kavanagh rounded out the field, more than holding his own against the older players.
Sportsmanship Award
Each year the Geoffrey Walter Tournament is proud to have a field filled with excellent competitors and many examples of sportsmanship. Wakefield Tennis Association leader Bill Conley presented this year’s Sportsmanship Award. He noted that as always, choosing the recipients was a tough decision, as each of the teams displayed great gamesmanship. The tournament committee was proud to award the team of Ben Palmer and Zach Kavanagh with the 2021 Sportsmanship Award.
WINNERS of the 2021 Geoffrey Walter Jr. Tennis Tournament’s Sportsmanship Award were Zach Kavanagh (left) and Ben Palmer. (Courtesy Photo)
Net Notes
A special thanks goes out to The Savings Bank and Curley Insurance for their sponsorship of the Wakefield Open.
There was a strong turnout of members of the Wakefield tennis community supporting this tournament including local tennis legend Pat Zagaria, Kevin Geaney, Al Allard and Bill Conley.
Tournament Director Sandy Palmer did a great job of organizing the matches.
2017 Sportsmanship Award winner Ian Schermerhorn joined the spectators in cheering for the players, which included his brother Drew.
Sincere thanks are extended to the many families who have supported the event since it began and those who have been part of the last 18 years, creating a terrific tennis event honoring Geoffrey Walter’s memory.
