NEW PAC-12 MEN’S TEAM TOURNAMENT was played at Libbey Park, utilizing traditional dual match format, commenced on Wednesday April 25th, with the team championship match played on Saturday afternoon April 28th. Winner of team championship received PAC-12 Conference’s automatic qualifier berth in NCAA national team championships.
PRIZE MONEY totaling an all-time high of $20,000 was awarded in the men’s and women’s Open divisions in singles and doubles this year. Once an amateur-only tournament, The Ojai began offering prize money in the Open division in 2003 through the generous gift of Michael Taggart.
JUNIOR EVENTS in The Ojai are now considered a “Sectional Open” tournament by Tennis Recruiting Network (TRN), the premier collegiate tennis recruiting website in the country. Due to their historical strength, the Ojai Junior events now count for TRN ranking purposes, and players winning a match in these events will be considered as “national players” by TRN.
SOLINCO was the official expert racket stringer at Libbey Park and TOM ROHRBACHER was the professional stringer at the Ojai Valley Inn. See the Sponsors link.
10 AND UNDER TOURNAMENT. This year was the second time for the unsanctioned, fun, “3rd, 4th and 5th Grade Invitational” tournament as part of THE OJAI®; which culminated in the elementary school Quick Start program under the auspices of the Ojai Recreation Department and conducted by mostly Tennis Club volunteers.
The tournament started at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, April 26 at the new Youth Tennis Area at Lower Libbey Park. Trophies were awarded at 5:30 p.m.
BBQ AND SPORTS SHOW. At the Thursday evening BBQ there were exciting demonstrations and interactive games involving local players. This event was presented by the world famous Weil Tennis Academy. Youth Tennis Committee Scholarship Awards was presented at 5:30 pm with the Sports Show following at 6:00 pm. The BBQ and events were held at Lower Libbey Park. Cost was $8 per adult. Participation in the sports show is free. Click here for a PDF flyer.
The Ojai is now on Facebook and Twitter. Follow all 27 divisions, including the Pac-12 Championships, collegiate divisions, Open, California Interscholastic Federation (high school) and junior action on Twitter @TheOjai. Like us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/theojaitennistournament or click on the above links.