Kathie Marshall
The true spirit of friendship and community that defines the SaddleBrooke Ranch Tennis Association (SBRTA) was on display at the 11th annual Steiness Margaritaville at the Ranch Festival held Nov. 10 through 13. The Steiness Festival, always the highlight of the SBRTA event program, is named in honor of the late Helge Steiness, the club’s founder and first president.
The festival kicked off with POP and tennis exhibition matches, followed by the introduction of the two tournament teams—The Landsharks and the Parrot Heads—who performed their special song and dance for the opening ceremony. Tim Baker, Marc Argabright, and Marnie Binney were the team leaders for the Parrot Heads and Sam Calbone and Sue Cook led the Landsharks team. Tennis club members who joined the Parrot Heads and Landsharks teams waged friendly battles during the POP and tennis matches held throughout the week on SaddleBrooke Ranch’s six tennis courts. The competition was divided into morning and afternoon sessions of tennis and POP tennis doubles play. Parrot Heads and Landsharks’ doubles teams competed against each other daily with scores tallied and recorded at the end of each day.
The event culminated with the 2025 Margarita at the Ranch dinner and dance on Nov. 13. Members enjoyed a burger bar and fixings with great service provided by the Ranch House Grill banquet services staff. Sue Cook, the SBRTA president, announced the team winner, and the victors were The Landsharks. She thanked the event coordinators, Debbie Argabright and Jill Stark, for a job well done. Special mention was given to committee chairs and the numerous volunteers and participants who made the event a tremendous success.
A special thank you to the Steiness Festival Sponsors:
Platinum Level
Debra Miller—State Farm Insurance
Shannon Imes—Coldwell Banker Real Estate Company
Ann Marie Carmamucci—Team Platinum Realty
Sue concluded her award presentation by thanking the SBRTA community, “Thanks once again for joining us as we celebrate sportsmanship, friendship, and the joy of staying active. Here’s to many more memorable gatherings and fun times ahead. Let the dancing begin!” And dance they did, to the lively tunes of The Chuck Moses Band.