We hosted our 24th Annual BTC Clay Court Tournament this past June 11-13. As always, the event was an enjoyable one with good tennis at a varitey of levels. Besides most of the matches being played on our clay courts in a picturesque outdoor setting, participants received tournament t-shirts, free pizza and all the tennis they could ask for.

Ross Nwachuwu of Buffalo, NY won the Men’s Open singles event, defeating Mike Rockman, from Toronto Canada 6-1,6-4. For his efforts, Ross received a wildcard into the qualifier of the $50,000 Binghamton Professional Tennis Tournament Aug 7& 8 @ Recreation Park. This is Ross’s 2nd BTC title, having won here previously in 2002.

Gregg & Gregg pictured here, all smiles after their doubles finals. The Men’s doubles winners, Gregg Scwhartz & Greg Munoz who defeated local pros Collin Crawford & Michael Starke 6-4,7-6 will also receive a wildcard into the $50,000 Challenger event in the doubles, which is played on Sunday, Aug 8. Gregg & Gregg are no strangers to Binghamton. They have played in the clay court for over 10 years now, and is the 3rd time the duo has won the event. Both played for Binghamton University from 1988-1992, where they played #1 & 2 singles, #1 doubles and qualifed for the NCAA Division 111 Nationals.

Ashley Harcelode of Philadelphia won the Women singles defeating Mary Ellen Halm of Elmira 6-1,6-4. We had a record 13 entrants in the women’s singles. It was nice to see so many up and coming high school local girls compete in this event.

Kiran Avarapalli won the singles title defeating Joe Cherkis of Elmira in the final. Kiran had a dramatic 4-6,7-6, 1-0 (10-8) victory over Joe Fanara, in which he fended off a match point in the 2nd set with a backhand passing shot winner. Kiran is a Vestal high school standout and will be a junior next fall.

Steve Forrest & Whitney Easton won the Mixed Doubles title.