Home|Uncategorized|Davis wins BPGT ClassicUncategorized

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailOctober 4, 2023 23 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

The 2023 Bahamas Professional Golf Tour (BPGT) got underway this past Saturday with the BPGT Classic and its founder Riccardo Davis came away as champion after holding off David Harris on a two-hole playoff at Royal Blue Golf Course at Baha Mar.

The tournament featured three divisions in action – professional, amateur and junior.

Davis and Harris finished their round tied at two-under par 74 to set up the playoff to break the tie. Davis said that given that he did not practice much, he will take that score.

“I had it going, and I finished the round bad. So, shooting a 74 was the worse I could have done. To come out as the winner, I feel fortunate because of how I sputtered at the end. I’ll start practicing for next month’s competition, and we are going to have the same result,” Davis said.

Davis bogeyed hole number 18 as he missed out on finishing the round one-over par 73. He and Harris’ playoff was on that same hole. Davis ended up in the bushes for his drive in the first playoff but managed to tie it with Harris who struggled on the short game.

“I hit a bad drive in the first playoff. My driver was broken in the first round so I played the playoff with my driver’s head rattling, so I did not know where the ball was going to go and I ended up hitting it into the trees. I ended up hitting it into the fairway and found a way to tie it,” Davis said.

The second playoff saw Davis hitting the ball better and making his putt on the first attempt on the green. Harris was unable to make his putt as Davis picked up the win.

Finishing third in the professional division was Stephano Stuart who shot four-over par 76.

In the amateur division, Nolan Johnson came away as the winner with a score of two-over par 74. He held off Richard Gibson Jr. who finished four-over par 76. Placing third was Trevor Gibson who scored 10-over par 82.

“It was a good day,” Johnson said. “I was not striking the ball that well, but I had a few shots that went my way and I was able to hold it in. The competition was stiff, but I was able to hold a few more putts than everyone else and that was what put me on top,” Johnson said.

Christopher Callendar won the junior division after finishing 17-over par 89. Andrew Benjamin placed second after finishing the round 27-over par 99. Tiar Gibson scored 37-over par 109 to finish third.

“The conditions were tough because it was hot,” Callendar said, “However, I was able to play well and get the win.”

Next on the BPGT calendar is the Hillshire Farms Classic by Asa H. Pritchard set for October 22. All three winners will return to defend their titles.

“I expect the Hillshire Farms Classic to see a bigger turnout as persons have more time to plan to play in that event. There has been a lot of interest in the BGPT for the rest of the year, and I expect this month’s event to be very competitive,” Davis said.

There will be a tournament in November and December as the BPGT looks to give golfers another avenue to develop their play.

 Home|Sports|‘Jazz’ league begins playSports

A total of seven games were on the schedule on Saturday

Sheldon LongleySend an emailOctober 3, 2023 88 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

On the same day that Bahamian professional baseball player Jasrado ‘Jazz’ Chisholm Jr. and the Miami Marlins clinched a spot in the National League (NL) playoffs of Major League Baseball (MLB), the Jazz Chisholm Foundation Little League officially got underway at the Baillou Hills Sports Complex.

Seven games were on the schedule as the league officially opened on Saturday. League Commissioner Geron Sands said that it has been a dream of Chisholm.

“He wanted to come back in some way and start a league to help many more kids who hasn’t been helped,” Sands said. “Coming out here and seeing all these people support this is amazing. The games went well with four teams in each division. To see the players out here and the support of the fans here at this amazing event, is something that we need more of. Hopefully all these players come back one day and give something back to the younger kids. Our country is in need of it.”

The divisions that are a part of the little league are T-Ball (5-6), Coach Pitch (7-8), 12-and-Under (12U) and 14-and-Under (14U). There are four teams in each of the divisions. The league will look to wrap up on December 3 with their championships.

Jazz Blue and Jazz Black were the winners on Saturday in the 14U Division. Jazz Blue won 12-5 over Jazz Yellow. Jazz Black won 7-2 over Jazz White. Jazz Blue was dominant in the 12U Division with a 13-1 victory over Jazz Yellow. In the other game in that division, Jazz White got a slim 12-11 win over Jazz Black.

There was only one game in the Coach Pitch Division with Jazz Blue winning 11-5 over Jazz Yellow. Jazz Yellow won 20-13 over Jazz Blue in the T-Ball Division. In the other T-Ball game, Jazz Black got the better of Jazz White by an 11-4 scoreline.

One of the directors of the foundation, Kim Sweeting, was happy with the response they got.

“‘Jazz’ is thrilled – he is coming back and giving back to The Bahamas. We are excited to see where this whole season is going to go. We are excited to see how well the players develop since it is a developmental league. We are looking to see how these players develop under these coaches who know the game,” Sweeting said.

This is the offseason for baseball in New Providence. Sands said it was intentional that they chose this window to have league play.

“We want no issues with the other leagues or create any turmoil. We want to give these players more games to play and more instructions. We have good coaches out here. We wanted to do it when it was the offseason and have everybody attention. It is also during the offseason for Chisholm and other pro players,” Sands said.

Sands also spoke about the possibility of them branching  off into the Family Islands. “It is something that we should make known to the Family Islands and somehow get those kids down here from the islands. We just want to do whatever we can do to expand our horizon here in The Bahamas to these kids,” Sands said.

According to Sweeting, the foundation is planning to have a fishing tournament in December. They are also looking at putting on a toy drive.

Chisholm’s dad, Jasrado Chisholm Sr., delivered the ceremonial first pitch on Saturday.

 Home|Sports|Bain wins men’s doubles title at regionalsSports

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailOctober 3, 2023 72 1 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Bahamian Jacobi Bain and his men’s doubles partner Nereo Suarez, of Argentina, defeated their teammates Julius Hell, of Germany, and American VanDer Woody, 7-6(5) and 7-5, Sunday afternoon in the men’s doubles final of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Gulf Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Regional Championships at the Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA) Tennis Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.

The victory automatically qualifies Bain and Suarez for the ITA Cup, from October 12-16, at the Rome Tennis Center in Rome, Georgia.

Bain and Suarez rallied from a 5-1 deficit in the tiebreak. It’s the second doubles title in 16 days for Bain and Suarez, who defeated Morgan State’s top-seeded Mikeal Carpenter and Niles Rachal, both of the United States, in the A-bracket final September 16 at the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) National Championships in Atlanta, Georgia.

Last year, Bain and Suarez were the top seeded team in the regionals but lost in the final.

“We are happy that this time around they came out on top,” said a Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) spokesperson through a press release. “We wish him success at the ITA Cup next week.”

Bain, a sophomore, also recently made the first team at XULA. He finished with a 20-9 win/loss record in singles last season and was 24-6 in doubles. He was at number 14 in singles and, with Suarez, number two in doubles, in the final NAIA national rankings. Bain moved from playing number four in singles in 2022 to the number one spot for the school this year, and helped the XULA Gold Rush achieve more success, including nine team victories against ranked opponents.

Bain was second team All-Louisiana and freshman of the year for the Gold Rush last year.

The BLTA congratulates Bain on capturing the men’s doubles regional title with his partner and for the first team honors.

NAIA Gulf ITA Regional Championships in New Orleans

DOUBLES CHAMPIONS: Jacobi Bain, right, of The Bahamas, and his partner Nereo Suarez display their awards after winning the men’s doubles title at NAIA Gulf Regional Championships at the XULA Tennis Centre.

As of Tuesday, October 3, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#Despite nursing a slight injury, Bahamian Jacobi Bain and his Xavier University of Louisiana partner Nereo Suarez still managed to win the men’s doubles title at the NAIA Gulf Regional Championships at the XULA Tennis Center in New Orleans.

#As the top seeds, Bain and Suarez avenged their defeat in last year’s final by winning the title with a hard fought 7-6 (7-5), 7-5 victory on Sunday, automatically qualifying for the ITA Cup from October 12-16 in Rome, Georgia.

#It was the second straight win for Bain and Suarez, who are coming off their victory at the HBCU Nationals at South Fulton Tennis Center in College Park, Georgia where they defeated Morgan State’s top-seeded Mikeal Carpenter and Niles Rachel in a A-bracket final on September 16.

#For Bain, who along with Saurez were named to the 2022-23 All-Louisiana collegiate team, it’s a great start to what he anticipates will be a banner year for the 20-year-old sophomore, who is now studying mass communication.

#“This one was a little tougher because I’m dealing with a slight injury, so it’s kind of tough to manage,” said Bain, who is playing through a torn ACL in his left leg. “My partner played well. He helped me out when I really needed him.

#“We were just able to gel very well together and we played very well when it mattered.”

#Although he came home and played in the sixth Bahamas Games, helping the Andros Chickcharnies to capture the gold medal in tennis, Bain said he used it to help with his rehab from the injury he sustained back in late April.

#Bain, however, said he’s only playing doubles, so he was able to deal with any slight pain that he experienced on the court. It helps when he has a partner like Saurez.

#As they now look ahead to the nationals next week, Bain said he will continue to work through the pain because there’s a lot at stake and he wants to be able to make his contribution to their doubles team and eventually to the success of XULA men’s tennis.

#“This is going to be a tough tournament, but I know we can hang with those guys,” Bain said. “So I’m just going to work through our practice sessions this week and next week as we get closer to the tournament.

#“I’m going to train my best, working on my vollies, working on my returns and working on my serves. This one is going to be tough because there are a lot of good teams out there, so we have to try and do our best and hopefully take home the title.”

#Even though he gets a little sore at times, Bain said for the most part, he’s okay.

#As for the 2022-23 All-Louisiana collegiate team, Bain made the first team, and Suarez was second team. The state’s college tennis publicists picked the team for the Louisiana Sports Writers Association.

#Bain was 20-9 in singles and 24-6 in doubles. He was No. 14 in singles and, with Suarez, No. 2 in doubles in the final ITA/NAIA national rankings.

#Bain replaced two-time Louisiana Player of the Year Santiago Perez at the top of the lineup — Bain played No. 4 singles in 2022 — and helped the Gold Rush achieve more success, including nine team victories against ranked opponents.

#Bain was second-team All-Louisiana and Freshman of the Year his previous season. Suarez, from Santa Fe, Argentina, was 17-11 in singles — he played No. 2 in the spring — and 22-9 in doubles.

#He became the third freshman in Gold Rush history to reach No. 2 in the final ITA doubles rankings. His four Red River Athletic Conference player-of-the-week awards led XULA during the spring and matched the most ever by a Gold Rush freshman.

#Suarez clinched doubles and singles points in a 4-0 home victory against NAIA No. 8 William Carey — XULA’s first shutout of the Crusaders in 13 years — and began his college career with four victories in three days to win the singles C-flight at the HBCU National Championships.

#Suarez and Bain were doubles runner-up at the NAIA Gulf ITA Regional Championships.

#In June, Bain and Suarez earned ITA NAIA All-America. The XULA men were 18-7 in dual matches, a repeat champion in an NAIA unaffiliated group qualifying tournament, an NAIA national’s quarterfinalist and No. 7 in the final NAIA coaches’ poll.

#Bain, who attended Windsor Academy and was a part of the Albany Tennis Academy, is the son of Bradley and Marion Bain, both local coaches in tennis.

#“School has been pretty good. I’m just trying to get through all of my classes. I’m doing pretty good in all my classes right now,” he stated.

#“I’m just looking forward to the end of the year and going home to reset and get ready for next semester.”

As of Tuesday, October 3, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#THE inaugural Softball 242 One Caribbean Invitational Women’s Fast-Pitch Tournament is all set to get underway on Thursday at the Bankers’ Field with three international and three local teams participating.

#According to Thomas Sears, the founder of Softball 242, the event is shaping up to be an exciting one for all.

#He noted that there has been a lot of keen interest in the event, considering that there will be fast-pitch competition in the New Providence Softball Association this year.

#“All systems are go,” Sears said. “We already have some of the umpires here because there will be a pre-tournament umpires’ clinic that got started on Monday and continues on Wednesday.

#“We will have a team from the US Virgin Islands and two teams from Jamaica, the Jamaica Warrior Queens and the Jamaica Club Fusion coming in. The teams from New Providence are the Bommer Operators, the University of the Bahamas Mingoes and the Sunshine Auto Wildcats.”

#Sears said he’s excited with the line-up and the local organising committee is looking forward to some competitive games this weekend, wrapping up with the championship and awards presentation on Sunday.

#Prior to the start of the tournament, there will be an Umpires Clinic that got started on Monday at the Archdeacon William Thompson Softball Park at the Southern Recreation Grounds. The internationally certified clinic will run until Wednesday.

#“We have one international umpire coming in from the British Virgin Islands and there are a number of local umpires who will be participating in the clinic,” Sears said. “At the same time, we will b3e conducting a TC course for Technical Commissioners. It’s similar to persons who do the attaché. They have changed the name to Technical Commissioners, who assist the teams with all of the logistics.”

#Here’s a look at the schedule of games for this weekend:

#Thursday’s schedule

#7 pm Bahamas Bommer Operators vs Bahamas UB Mingoes.

#8:45 pm Sunshine Auto Wildcats vs Jamaica Club Fusion.

#Friday’s schedule

#4 pm UD Virgin Islands vs Jamaica Warrior Queens.

#5:45 pm Sunshine Auto Wildcats vs Bommer Operators.

#7:30 pm Jamaica Warrior Queens vs Jamaica Club Fusion.

#9:15 pm University of Bahamas Mingoes vs US Virgin Islands.

#Saturday’s schedule

#10:15 am Jamaica Warrior Queens vs Bommer Operators.

#Noon US Virgin Islands vs Jamaica Club Fusion.

#1:45 pm University of the Bahamas Mingoes vs Sunshine Auto Wildcats.

#5:15 pm US Virgin Islands vs Sunshine Auto Wildcats.

#7 pm Opening ceremony.

#8 pm Jamaica Warrior Queens vs University of the Bahamas Mingoes.

#Sunday’s schedule

#10:15 am Bommer Operators vs US Virgin Islands.

#Noon Jamaica Club Fusion vs University of the Bahamas Mingoes.

#1:45 pm Sunshine Auto Wildcats vs Jamaica Warrior Queens.

#5:30 pm Bronze medal game (seed 4 vs seed 3).

#7:30 pm Gold medal game (seed 2 vs seed 1).

#9 pm Awards presentation.

THE top three male winners in the 2022 Bahamas Half Marathon with their medals.

As of Tuesday, October 3, 2023

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RUNNERS at the start of the 2022 Bahamas Half Marathon. Photos courtesy of Tony Longley

#BAHAMAS Roadmasters Running Club (BRRC) is busily making final preparations to stage its 11th Annual Bahamas Half Marathon Race Series, scheduled for Sunday, November 19.

#The event features a 5K (3.1 miles), 10K (6.2 miles), Half Marathon (13.1 miles) and a Half Marathon (Teams of 4) Relay.

#The 5K race is highly favoured by walkers and novice runners.

#Leading the list of notable sponsors once again is renowned United States-based health care provider, Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA).

#Founded in 1998, CTCA through its network of treatment centres in the United States of America has provided top level cancer care to thousands of Bahamian patients.

#They also give back to Bahamian communities by generously supporting many local NGO’s. Demonstrating their commitment as a benefactor to Bahamas Roadmasters, CTCA is the repeat title sponsor of the 2023 Bahamas Half Race Series.

#“We are always grateful to all our corporate sponsors for their continued support, in particular CTCA who has consistently partnered with BRRC in a major way for the past several years. The support of the corporate community is integral, as it enables us to successfully stage our signature events, Bahamas Half Marathon Race Series and The Midnight Madness Fun Run’’, said Anastasia Turnquest, BRRC President.

#Presenting on behalf of CTCA, was its Bahamas representative, Ms. Tina Lightbourne who said, “In the communities we serve, we genuinely care about their health and welfare, and it’s this duty of care that inspires us to respond by supporting the local NGO’s, who are on the ground servicing those needs. It’s ingrained in CTCA’s Core Values.

#Bahamas Roadmasters Running Club promotes good health and wellness, which is a great fit for us and we’re happy to play a part.”

#The annual road race which draws hundreds of local and international running and walking enthusiasts, will start at 6:00 AM from Junkanoo Beach, The Western Esplanade. The route goes west along Bay Street toward Cable Beach.

#The half marathon will turn around near Sun Fun Resort; the 10K turns near Baha Mar Boulevard and 5K turns near Go-Slow Bend. The 5 and 10K are walker friendly events. For the Half Marathon, runners have registered from the USA and Canada.

#BRRC’s PR Officer Tony Longley told Tribune Sports, “Thanks to the collective generosity of our sponsors, we’re able to stage a world class, professionally timed race and possibly some personal records will be set in all categories”.

#The top 3 finishes in each age category will receive trophies and all finishers in every event will get a beautiful commemorative finisher’s medal. Additional sponsors and contributors include Caribbean Bottling Company; America City of Hope; Bahamas Welding & Fire; Cabinet & Carpet World; FYP Building Supplies; Fidelity Bank; Lightbourne Trading, Bahamas Wholesale Agency, Nassau Agencies and Bahamian Brewery. Part proceeds from this year’s race will assist the Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group, and MD Patient Navigation Services.

#Founded in 1990, Bahamas Roadmasters Running Club is the premier athletic club in The Bahamas dedicated to promoting a healthy and wholesome lifestyle through the sport of long-distance running. Members train weekly to prepare for local and international races including Marathons and Half Marathons. A group recently completed the Berlin Marathon and more than 2 dozen of its members will race in the Toronto Marathon on October 15.

#Registration is open online via website: www.bahamashalf242.com. For more information, contact BRRC C/0 email address: bahamasroadmasters@gmail.com and via Facebook: Bahamas Road Masters.

Softball Bahamas made a donation to Charles W Saunders School. Shown, from left to right, are athletic director Foster Dorsett, Thomas Sears of Softball Bahamas, principal Anadel Thompson and senior master Stephen Duncombe.

As of Tuesday, October 3, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#IN showing their appreciation for the support they received for the sixth Bahamas Games, ‘Softball 242’ chief Thomas Sears made a presentation of softball equipment to the athletic department at the Charles W Saunders High School last week.

#Thomas, whose Softball Bahamas is preparing to host their first Softball 242 One Caribbean Invitational Women’s Fast-Pitch Tournament this week, said as the manager of the Exuma women’s softball team for the Bahamas Games, they were appreciative of Charles W Saunders allowing them to use their facilities for practice.

#“I committed to helping them with their field by donating some equipment,” Sears said.

#“They will be able to assist them in their softball programme. Foster Dorsett is their athletic director and physical education teacher, so I know he could make good use of the in-kind gesture.”

#Charles W Saunders received the four bases for softball, as well as two cases of softballs, which Dorsett said will definitely benefit the Cougars’ sporting programme, particularly as they prepare for participation in the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools’ softball season.

#“It’s well-needed, so I appreciate what Thomas Sears was able to give us,” Dorsett said. “It’s a programme that is growing and we needed some bases and he even provided us with about two cases of softballs, which is something that we won’t have to buy.

#“It shows that there are people out there who have an interest in helping in the development of our young kids. I think the students really appreciate what we got. He pledged more support in the future for the programme, so we really appreciate what he has done for us.”

#Dorsett said if there are any other individuals or companies out there who are willing to assist, they can contact him or the school to provide their support of their athletic programme, which include basketball, where they are the defending BAISS senior boys champions; volleyball, soccer and track and field.

#Joining Dorsett in receiving the gift from Thomas were Charles W Saunders’ principal Anadel Thompson and Senior Mater Rev. Stephen Duncombe.

Named Optimist national champion for second time

WIN COLUMN: All winners from each fleet with their trophies at the award ceremony of the Fidelity Bahamas Optimist National Open Championship.

As of Tuesday, October 3, 2023

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Patrick Tomlinson, 13, of New Providence, has won the Fidelity Bahamas Optimist National Championship and was named National Optimist Champion for the second consecutive year.

#PATRICK Tomlinson, 13, of New Providence, Bahamas, has won the Fidelity Bahamas Optimist National Open Championship and takes the title of national optimist champion for the second consecutive year.

#Tomlinson, who sails with Lyford Cay Sailing, took an early lead in the racing Saturday with two firsts and a fifth place in the first three races. He was the top Bahamian sailor as well as the overall winner of the championship, beating 53 sailors in the championship fleet.

#“I’m really proud to earn the title of Optimist National Champion for the second time, especially this year as sailing was named the national sport,” Tomlinson said. “It was a great two-day championship. The second day the conditions were a little tougher as the wind dropped, but overall, it was excellent sailing and good competition with sailors from all over The Bahamas, the United States and the Cayman Islands.”

#Second place winner overall was Jack Meade of Team USA and third was Mason Rochelle of Team USA.

#Four races took place on Saturday, September 30 and an additional two were held on Sunday, October 1. Bahamian sailors from Nassau, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, Abaco, Exuma, and Long Island competed in the Fidelity Bahamas Optimist Championship. Sailors from the United States as well as the Cayman Islands also sailed in this international event held in Montagu Bay.

#Ranging in age from as young as seven years old to 15 years old, sailors competed in a number of fleets within the championship and the final results are: Green fleet for sailors entering their first championship – First Place: Ebba Collins, Cayman Islands; Second Place:

#Katerina Butterworth, Cayman Islands and Third Place: Treysean Mckenzie, Exuma, Bahamas.

#Winners of the White fleet for sailors 10 or younger – First Place: Audrey Roachell, USA

#Second Place; Allison Meade, USA and Third Place: Sean Preston Thompson, Hopetown,

#Bahamas. Winners Blue fleet for sailors aged 11 and 12 – First Place: Jack Meade, USA,

#Second Place: Karl Panthanki, USA, Third Place: Olivia Weber, USA and the Red fleet for

#sailors aged 13-15 year’s old – First Place: Patrick Tomlinson, Nassau, Bahamas, Second Place:

#Mason Roachell, USA and Third Place: Finley McKinney-Lambert, Eleuthera, Bahamas.

#The top Bahamian placed sailors from each island include: Patrick Tomlinson from Nassau, First Place Overall; Finley McKinney-Lambert from Eleuthera, 4th Place Overall; Emit Knowles from Exuma, 37th Place Overall; Drake Knowles, Long Island, 32nd Overall; Sean Preston Thompson, Hopetown, Abaco, 40th Overall. Harbour Island had a good showing in the Green Fleet with Casey Dean coming in 10th place.

#Patrick Tomlinson was also named The Bahamas Optimist Dinghy Association’s Sailor of the Year, which is an award chosen by peers for the sailor that personifies the best qualities in sailing such as team commitment, represents his country well abroad, sportsmanship, leadership and gains the respect of their fellow sailors.

#“At Fidelity one of our core values is youth development. Sports we know provides kids with discipline, camaraderie and more importantly with opportunity for them to advance in the world,” said Gowon Bowe, C.E.O. of Fidelity Bank and Trust International.

#“Whether that is through the networks they build, the discipline they learn in terms of training and sport, or whether that is through the opportunities they get to travel abroad and meet other cultures. For us as an institution when we say we are built for you we try to make sure that is a living mantra and not just words. We congratulate all athletes, we are truly proud of you.”

#“We are happy with the championship racing this year and are proud of all the sailors, they showed excellent sportsmanship and did a great job competing,” said Erin Tomlinson, Optimist fleet captain and organiser of the championship.

#“We are also grateful to our title sponsor Fidelity for contributing to this national sailing championship for the second year.”

#Hosted by the Nassau Yacht Club, the weekend events began with an opening ceremony Friday night and racing on Saturday and Sunday. A total of six races were held with the awards following on Sunday evening.

#Other important sponsors include J.S. Johnson and Campbell Shipping. Panama Jack, Shoreline Distributors, Aquapure, Thompson Trading, Home Fabrics and Abaco Big Bird are also on board to help ensure a successful event by donation of their products.

#The Optimist is a small, single-handed sailing dinghy that is one of the two most popular sailing dinghies in the world with over 150,000 boats officially registered in the class.

#Young sailors up to the age of 15 sail the class in competitions around the world. The Bahamas also starts sailors in the Optimist for competitive sailing.

As of Tuesday, October 3, 2023

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SENIOR Sydney Clarke and the University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers won the Austin Peay Fall Tournament in Clarkesville, Tennessee.

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#SENIOR Sydney Clarke and the University of Alabama at Birmingham kicked off their Blazers’ collegiate women’s tennis season in grand style last week, winning the Austin Peay Fall Tournament in Clarkesville, Tennessee.

#The three-day event included teams from Clarkesville, Southeast Missouri, Murray State, Cumberland and Chattanooga.

#In singles, the Blazers went 5-1 against Southeast Missouri, 4-2 against Austin Peay and 3-3 against Murray State. The Blazers were 12-6 overall in singles.

#Clarke then teamed up with Mackenzie White to post a perfect 3-0 record and was joined by the rest of their team-mates as they won all nine of their matches against Southeast Missouri, Austin Peay and Murray State.

#Nine different combinations were used for the nine doubles matches. Individually, Clarke, Mellynchuk, Wasserbauerova, Ratkic, White, and Smith each recorded three wins.

#“I’m very proud of myself. I feel like the work that I put in over the summer is showing up in my results,” Clarke said. “So I’m really glad and I think our practices so far for the fall have really been intense.

#“Everyone has really been pushing each other so I think that has really helped. That’s why we had a great start to the fall season.”

#Over the summer, Clarke got a chance to once again represent the Bahamas at the Fed Cup. While the team didn’t get promoted to Zone II, Clarke said the experience has helped her to get ready for her final collegiate season.

#Clarke and the Blazers will be back in action this weekend as they head to Baton Rouge, Louisiana for the ITA Southern Regionals. The four-day event begins October 5 and runs through October 9.

#“I just hope to continue to make slight improvements to my game and work towards the spring season, which will start in January,” she said. “But I believe the work that we are putting in on and off the court has been really well and we’ve changed a lot of things that we did in the past.

#“That has helped us to get a lot of wins, so I feel very confident in us having a great season next year.”

#Clarke, who turns 22 on November 18, is the daughter of Shayvon and Bernard Clarke. She has a younger sister Sarai Clarke, who is following her footsteps in high school in the United States.

#The two teamed up to play doubles for the first time at the sixth Bahamas Games where they helped the Andros Chickcharnies to win the gold in tennis.

#Clarke, a former junior national champion student of CR Walker who graduated from Windsor Academy, is studying entrepreneurship at UAB.

Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association takes advantage of Bahamas National Drug Council Hobbies Fair

PARTICIPANTS enjoy the tennis showcase at the Bahamas National Drug Council Hobbies Fair.

As of Tuesday, October 3, 2023

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#THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) participated in the Hobbies Fair hosted by the Bahamas National Drug Council (BNDC).

#The BNDC fosters strategic partnerships, as sporting activities such as tennis impact many children and the community positively.

#The BLTA showcased tennis and the children engaged in this fun and healthy sport, according to a press release.

#The theme of the event was “Yes I Have The Power To Be Drug Free”.

#Coaches Paula Whitfield, Mateo Smith and BLTA pesident Perry Newton greeted the students at the fair.

#The event was held at the Town Centre Mall on Friday, September 29.

#The after-school tennis programme at the National Tennis Centre offers tennis classes for children.

#In addition, the BLTA’s Play Tennis programme provides an opportunity to be introduced to the sport.

#The BNDC believes that these post-school activities can boost academic performance, reduce risky behaviours, promote physical health and provide a safe and structured environment for children.

#“The BLTA was pleased to represent at the Hobbies Fair which was very well-attended.

#“There were over 500 children from various schools. The children were enthusiastic to participate and showed great interest. We look forward to continuing our tennis programmes and introducing many children which provides a great alternative for the kids, leading to many positive returns in our communities and throughout the Bahamas. “We applaud the commitment of the National Drug Council to promote afterschool activities like tennis and the charge they have to the development of drug free student leaders.

#“Together we are giving our young people great opportunities that will bode well for our country,” the BLTA said.