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When Peter deDood took up tennis a year ago, the New Port Richey resident shifted some of his baseball pitching expertise honed as a youth to his service technique.
The 40-year-old also looked to his mother, Ria Graham, and his son, Isaac , for motivation and inspiration.
"I lived in Holland from about 9 to 14 years of age and then came to New Port Richey over 20 years ago," deDood said. "Maybe I played tennis one time at a YMCA when I was a youngster, but it was when my mom started hitting with my son that I got motivated.
"I like everything about tennis, from the running to the physical challenge. I only play singles for now and have been working as regularly as I can to keep improving."
When his mother hits with some of the kids in the neighborhood, including 8-year old Isaac, deDood helps. Afterward, they both practice.
Last weekend, deDood competed in Clearwater in the K-Swiss Summer League playoffs. After finishing the regular season unbeaten in the 2.5 singles division, deDood played his way to the final. Even though deDood lost to Tampa's William Whiteside , his motivation to learn remains high.
"I had a hard time in the final this weekend, plus, it was my first time to play on a clay court," deDood said. "I always hit on the hard courts and I was getting way too close to the ball on clay. I had no idea of the player I was playing and he was able to slice and dice me to win.
"Normally, I can feel out a player a little while we're warming up, but not against him. I felt a lot of pressure playing, mostly from me, but still pressure."
DeDood plans to play in next month's fall session of K-Swiss. Lessons with his mother, combined with lessons from John Miller of Hudson the past few months, have helped deDood begin to develop strategy as he improves his basic skills.
"I've been working with John about four months and he's helped me with the proper strokes on both my forehand and backhand sides," deDood said. "It's just been the last couple of weeks we've worked on strategy. I like to play both baseline and net."
He said his stepfather, Bill Graham , has influenced his serve.
"Plus my pitching days are a big help, too," he said. "I played baseball four years in Holland and my team was No. 1 in the league all four years."
Last summer, deDood reached the K-Swiss playoffs. This summer's championship round was a highlight.
"Unfortunately, I started learning tennis late and I wish I were 18 again and learning, but I'm going to take tennis as far as I can now," he said. "I'm enjoying it all, the people, the matches and winning."
MORE K-SWISS: Area winners included Monica Sanchez in the 3.0, Pam Gallauer 3.5, Fumi Toyotake 4.0-minus, Joanne Valone 4.5 and Donna Roberts 5.0 among the women. Tampa Bay winners among the men were Daniel Otts in the 3.0, Don Cobin 3.5, Paul Doucette 4.0, John Beda 4.5-minus, Pete Swartz 4.5 and Fernando Gonzalez 5.5.
Otts and Cobin continued to win the K-Swiss Regional Championship.
The registration deadline for the K-Swiss Fall League is Sept. 10; the league plays Sept. 18-Nov. 14. Semifinal and final matches are slated Dec. 11-12. To register, see www.ultimatetennis.com or call 727 865-0615.
COMBO LEAGUE CHAMPIONS: East Lake Woodlands 7.5 and Royal Racquet Club 8.5 women's teams won the District 12 Combo Doubles League titles to join the Racquet Club of St. Petersburg 7.5 and Countryside 6.5 men's squads. All four teams qualify for the state tournament in January in Daytona Beach.
SAVE THE DATES: The Humane Society of Pinellas tournament is Sept. 29-Oct. 3 at Royal Racquet Club. For details on sponsorships and entry forms, call (727) 725-3681.
Plans are underway for the 21st Annual Raymond James Pro/Am Tournament, slated Oct. 23-24 at Treasure Island Tennis and Yacht Club. The charity event benefits All Children's Hospital. Contact Eric Branson, (727) 551-5280, for information on sponsorships and playing opportunities.
NET SHOTS: Last month's winners in the Junior Summertime Classic at Tampa Palms included top seeds Angela Wellman in the girls 10-and-under and Sukhwa Young in the boys 18.
Finalists included Jeanette McDonald in the girls 16, No. 2 Matthew Peckham the boys 10, No. 1 Tyler Brown the 14 and John McDonald the 18.
Anthony Melatti of Lutz won the boys 12-and-under singles and Natalie Franklin the girls 12 round robin in last weekend's East Lake Summer Junior Rookie Tournament. Jonathan Franklin won the boys 12 consolation draw.
Six novice teams, including Hernando Blue Sharks and Fire Rackets and the Avila Lightning, participated in last weekend's USA Tennis NJTL and Team Tennis Rallyball Jamboree at Countryside Country Club. Coaches and players in the round robin event selected Rosie Witherell on the Blue Sharks one of the two sportsmanship winners.
COMING UP: A USA Tennis Developmental Coach Workshop is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 18 at The Club at Seven Oaks in Wesley Chapel. The hands-on workshop will provide instruction and training for effective team practices, assistance in teaching large groups and techniques for using teaching aids. Call workshop leader Jeff Davis , a USA Tennis Florida Community Coordinator, at (727) 360-6543. ... The University of Tampa Bash is Sept. 11-13 for junior singles players 18 and younger. Call Al Dufaux , (813) 253-6240, ext. 3076.
News for this column may be faxed to Nancy Morgan, 727 796-5559; e-mailed to namorgan46@msn.com or sent to 710 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756. Please include phone number.