38th Annual Bob Palmer Tennis camp concludes

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July 7, 2010

Corey Davis CNHI The Suwannee Democrat Wed Jul 07, 2010, 06:00 AM EDT

Live Oak — corey.davis@gaflnews.com

LIVE OAK-Josh Fernald and Gabrielle Perry won their respective divisions at the 38th Annual Bob Palmer Tennis Camp held at John Hale Park.

Under the supervision of Bob Palmer and Pam Sherburne, a total of 45 kids competed for the individual titles, with Fernald and Perry taking home the trophies.

In the 9-under division, Fernald had to play a nerve racking playoff against Elaina McMillan for the trophy.

With nerves of steel, Fernhald executed the winning shot to win his first tennis title. McMillan’s strong showing suggests she has a bright future in tennis.

In the 10-over division, last year’s champion Perry won the title by winning the tie breaker against older brother Drew Perry and Stephen Hazlett.

In the playoff, all three players tied at two each. In the second round of the playoff, Gabriel tied Stephen at two all, while Drew, who only got one point, finished in third place.

Although Gabrielle was only nine, she never the less completed in the older division for the greater challenge.

“We do the camp to generate a little bit more interests in tennis,” Palmer said, “The kids have fun, it’s a big deal for the little kids and hopefully they will take the game up.”

Palmer has been doing the camps for 38 years along side Sherburne, who began assisting him 32 years ago.

Several of the 2009-2010 Suwannee tennis players including Katherine Haney, Mary-Beth Finch, Ashton Bracewell, Justin Garland, Lindsey Garland and Jabe Weaver all attended the camp, the lone exception being Sydnie Sine (who moved from Tampa).

Many of the kids who have attended the camp have come back to work, it is also their first job.

“The kids give back to the community also by being counselors,” Sherburne said, “Where they learn accountability like being on time and they also see things from a different perspective.”

9-under division

1. Josh Fernald

2. Elaina McMillan

3. Ian Willis

4. Mallory Fernald and Tori Lane

10-over division

1. Gabriel Perry

2. Stephen Hazlett

3. Drew Perry

4. Madelyn Lashley

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38th Annual Bob Palmer Tennis camp concludes

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