SADDLEBROOK 2008 TOURNAMENT SUMMARY

The breakfasts that were included with the room rate were buffet and served 6:30-11:00am. This included a chef to make omelets, blueberry pancakes, pecan crusted French toast, and more, to order! There was no dieting at Saddlebrook as the food was delightfully delicious. Opening dinner on the patio overlooking small lakes (golf water hazards) and the green golf course was an Italian buffet to die for! The banquet dinner proved to be a challenge to some with a New York steak that was the size of half the plate. No one went home hungry. Many thanks to those who volunteered (with maybe a little arm twisting) to present a lecture at Saddlebrook. Meeting attendance was excellent. Dr. Earl O'Brien from Birmingham, England (an honorary member of AMTA) stated that Saddlebrook CME was the best, and that he did NOT miss a lecture (that's 12 hours folks!). New member, Jorge Reiley, brought 2 sons, 8 & 11, whom were enrolled in the children's Saddlebrook program while Jorge enjoyed fine tennis of his own. New member, Doug Adams and wife Jennifer brought their 3 1/2 year old son and enjoyed the close-by zoo and aquarium. New member Brad Goodman and wife Caroline (pronounced Caroleena) upgraded our tennis level considerably and they may be added to our list of bridge playing members. New member Krishna Vadlamuni from New York brought his 2 adult sons along and some great social tennis was scheduled along with the regular tournament. No one went home saying they didn't have enough tennis! Saddlebrook was very generous and extremely flexible with their courts. (see picture at right for pool and courts.) When people weren’t playing tennis or attending CME meetings they could often be found lounging around the pool that was centrally located at the resort. This was a nice place to order a drink, read the newspaper, or even engage in a game of pool volleyball. Bob Combs and Gary Usher took advantage of the easy access to excellent golf while we were there. Many people were heard remarking about the wildlife on property – alligators, snapping turtles, razor snakes, and a plethora of interesting winged friends including egrets, cranes, and blue herons. Everyone enjoyed seeing slideshow photos from the week during cocktail hour at the awards banquet. This tournament medals were given out instead of trophies. A heartfelt thanks to Craig and Kathi Broome for doing a fabulous job designing and procuring the medals. Many attendees expressed a wish to return to Saddlebrook as the week was truly enjoyable for all. Take a look at the slideshow from the event. To see the list of speakers and topics presented click here.

A gorgeous arial photo of the Saddlebrook resort.

TOURNAMENT RESULTS

Morning Madness Women's Singles Championships Winner – Jacqueline Davis Runner-up –Alison Sollee Consolation Winner – Caroline Goodman Consolation Runner-up – Melinda Voda Men's Super Stroker Singles Championships Winner – Craig Broome Runner-up – Phong Nguyen Consolation Winner – Doug Adams Consolation Runner-up – Greg Kauffman Men's Swift Swinger Singles Championships Winner – Paul Young Runner-up – Jack Jacobson Consolation winner – Earl O’Brien Consolation runner-up – Frank Sladkovic

Women's Dynamic Duo Doubles Round Robin Championships Winners – Jacqueline Davis/Andi Wiggins (guest) Runners-up – Grace Szczerbowski/Mimi Combs Consolation Winners – Betty Olsen/Shiela Goodloe (guest) Consolation Runners-up – Caroline Goodman/Gloria Forster Putaway Pro Men's Doubles Championships Winners – Bruce Bammel/John Crawford Runners-up – Phong Nguyen/Pally Palaganas Consolation Winners – Terry Geshke/Paul Young Consolation Runners-up – Lon Olsen/Rich Goodloe (guest) 'Built to Last' Men's Doubles RR Championships 1st – Zev Wajsman/Levon Tebelekian 2nd – Frank Sladkovic/Bob Combs Tough Team Mixed Doubles Championships Winners – Craig Broome/Jacqueline Davis Runners-up – Terry and Pat Geshke Consolation Winners – Bruce Bammel/Alison Sollee Consolation Runners-up – Jorge Reilly/Melinda Voda