Terry Bunnell, right, holds the Weldon Tennis Tournament trophy with Todd Steenbergen.
STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
A local tennis tradition takes center court again this weekend as the 98th W.A. Weldon Tennis Tournament will be at Terry Bunnell Tennis Courts at Caverna High School.
Organizers say this year’s tournament will run Aug. 7-9, with singles play starting Friday at 4:30 p.m. and matches continuing all day Saturday and into Sunday morning and afternoon.
According to organizers, the Weldon is considered one of the oldest tennis tournaments in Kentucky and the state’s oldest money tournament.
They say records on the event’s main trophy date back to 1928, and the tournament has been played continuously since then.
The trophy carries names of players who went on to major college programs and professional careers, including University of Kentucky and University of Louisville standouts.
Those names include players such as former Vanderbilt coach and 1975 champion Bill Tim, as well as NCAA performers like Eric Quigley and Austin Childs.
Organizers say this year’s field will again feature strong collegiate ties, with entrants connected to Bellarmine, Furman University, Indiana University Southeast, Brescia and local programs.
Two players with local connections, Colton Huffman of Metcalfe County and Grant Turner of Barren County, are among those expected to compete, according to tournament leaders.
The tournament is free to watch and takes place on recently resurfaced courts at Caverna High School, which organizers describe as being in excellent condition following upgrades by school and city crews.
Local government and recreation departments in Cave City and Glasgow are also being credited for supporting the facility and the event.
In addition to the main draw, doubles play is held under the banner of the Jim Moody Classic.
Organizers say the doubles competition is named in honor of the late local tennis enthusiast and broadcaster Jim Moody, who played in and championed coverage of the Weldon for many years.
A community tennis night and block party is scheduled for Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Caverna courts to open the weekend.
Organizers say the free event is open to all ages and skill levels, including beginners, and is designed to let more people experience tennis and the tournament atmosphere.
Throughout the weekend, tournament organizers emphasize hospitality, including group meals for players on Friday and Saturday nights that they say help build relationships and keep athletes coming back to Glasgow and Barren County.
Key Facts
• 98th W.A. Weldon Tennis Tournament set for Aug. 7-9 at Caverna High School
• Event is described as one of Kentucky’s oldest and longest-running money tennis tournaments
• Singles play begins Friday at 4:30 p.m., with matches through Sunday afternoon
• Tournament trophy dates back to 1928 and features notable college and pro players
• Field includes players with ties to Bellarmine, Furman, IU Southeast, Brescia and local schools
• Free community tennis night and block party planned Thursday at 6 p.m.
• Admission for spectators is free throughout the weekend
• Doubles competition is known as the Jim Moody Classic, honoring the late local tennis advocate
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