Kathie Marshall
February was a swinging month for the SaddleBrooke Ranch Tennis Association (SBRTA). The fun festivities began Feb. 10 with a well-attended Meet & Mingle function at the home of President Sue Cook and her husband, Jim. This event was created so that members could meet, socialize, and share ideas with the 2025 SBRTA board members.
By the end of the month, a battle began to brew on the SaddleBrooke Ranch tennis courts, although it was a fun and friendly one. SBRTA hosted the third Battle for the Saddle tennis tournament on Feb. 24 through 26. The three-day event was a friendly competition between the SaddleBrooke Ranch Tennis Association (SBRTA) and its neighboring club at SaddleBrooke. Battle for the Saddle began in 2023 and was the brainchild of Mark Adamson (former SBRTA board president) and Anne Williams of the SaddleBrooke Tennis Club. This year’s event had 112 participants and featured Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, Mixed Doubles, as well as POP Tennis matches. Players competed to win the coveted Battle for the Saddle trophy.
Following the last match of the tournament, SBRTA hosted their SaddleBrooke teammates at a western themed dinner/dance social in the Sol Ballroom. Sue Cook, SBRTA Board President, greeted everyone and recognized the demanding work of club members: Those were:
* Event Organizers: Debbie Argabright and Jill Stark, assisted by Lu Legel and Marnie Binney
* Court Set-up Team: Wayne Watkins, Mark Adamson, Marc Argabright and Gary Gillman
* Pennant and Banners: Lu Legel, Larry Binney, and Dave Stark
* Snacks and Cookies: Gary Gillman, Leslie Castner, Jill Stark, Debbie Argabright, Lu Legel, and Paula Cartwright
Sue went on to announce the victor of the Battle for the Saddle. The 2025 winner was SaddleBrooke Tennis Club, with a final score of SaddleBrooke 12 wins and SBRTA 8 wins. SBRTA won the trophy in 2024, but this year’s trophy was handed over to Anne Williams of the SaddleBrooke club and will reside at their club for the year.
Lastly, Sue thanked everyone for their participation. “Players, spectators, and supportive friends and family members made this tournament a real success! Our clubs have some talented players, which is very impressive for a bunch of youth challenged participants,” she quipped.
The event concluded with the sounds of SaddleBrooke Ranch’s AZ You Wish Band and attendees danced the night away.