2023 Steiness Tennis Festival kick-off event
2023 themed tennis dinner and dance
Kathie Marshall
It’s that time of year again and for members of the SaddleBrooke Tennis Association (SBRTA) this year is special! 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the tennis club’s signature event, the Steiness Tennis Festival. The Steiness event has a special history. Late in 2013, the SBRTA’s board members decided to pay tribute to the club’s founder and first president, Helge Steiness, by naming an annual tennis tournament in honor of him. Hence, the annual Steiness Tennis Festival was conceived. For the past 10 years, the club’s most celebrated event of the year has brought members together for a spirited week of friendship and fun. Below is the schedule for this year’s exhibition, tournament play and the grand finale. Mark your calendars for Nov. 11 through 16 and come join the fun both on and off the courts!
This year’s tournament format has kept the spirit of the 2013 team tennis alive. The 2013 tournament had two teams aptly named—the Coyotes and the Rattlers—engaged in friendly competition. To commemorate that first year, the 2024 team names are the Coyotes and the Roadrunners. The Coyotes will be captained by Sue Cook and John David and the Roadrunners will be captained by Stacy West and Rob Smith.
The kick-off ceremony begins on Monday, Nov. 11 at 4 p.m. with the introduction of the teams and a happy hour. Tournament play begins Tuesday, Nov. 12 and runs through Nov. 14 with men’s, women’s, mixed doubles, and POP tennis. The grand finale of the festival will be held on Saturday, Nov. 16 with the 2024 Tennis Ball dinner and dance.
Schedule of Events
Monday, Nov. 11: Steiness Festival Kick-Off and Happy Hour beginning at 4 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 12: Women’s Tennis and POP Play
Wednesday, Nov. 13: Mixed Tennis Play
Thursday, Nov. 14: Men’s Tennis and POP Play
Saturday, Nov. 16: “Tennis Ball” Dinner and Dance
The tournament will be held at the six tennis courts here at SaddleBrooke Ranch. Even if you are not a tennis player, stop by to watch and cheer on your fellow tennis friends and neighbors!