Youth show off their tennis skills at tourney

Mikey Gearhart and Cameron Compton compete in the championship match of the 10 and under division at the Jimbo’s Tennis Tournament in Crescent City on Saturday. Submitted photo

Jimbo’s Junior Tennis Tournament, which was sponsored by the family and friends of the late Dr. Jim Piotrowski, took place all day at the Del Norte High School tennis courts. 

The Del Norte Tennis Association conducted the tournament for kids ranging from 7 to 18 years old. 

A group of 35 kids and teens took part, said event organizer Jane Rumiano, adding that the event is a great way to encourage tennis in the area and provide a showcase for these young tennis players.

“It gives them an opportunity to show their improvement to family and friends,” Rumiano said.”

Piotrowski, who passed away recently, was a former president of the Del Norte Tennis Association.

“Everyone out there could feel his spirit,” Rumiano said.

The age divisions were 10 and under, 14 and under and 18 and under. Participants had the option of playing singles, doubles, or both.

The winner in the 10 and under division was Mikey Gearhart from Fortuna, who defeated Cameron Compton from Crescent City. Both boys are 7. 

Mikey’s brother, John Gearhart, won 6-3, 6-3, in the 14 and under boys’ singles, while his sister, Angela, defeated Jordan Babich of Crescent City 6-0, 6-2 in the 14 and under girls’ singles finals. 

Then, John and Angela Gearhart teamed up to win against Babich and Kayla Costello of Crescent City, 6-0, 6-2 in the doubles final. 

Jordan Babich and Angela Gearheart pose with their medals. In the center is event coordinator Jane Rumiano. Submitted photo

The girls, who both recently graduated from St. Bernard’s and Del Norte High respectfully, were considered the top two  female high school tennis players in the area.

Both faced each other for three straight years in the Humboldt-Del Norte Conference singles championships for the right to move on to the Northcoast Sections, with Macan winning two of those matches, including this past year.

This time, Emma won  3-6, 7-5, and 10-7 in a super-tiebreaker.

“It was great,” said Rumiano, who was head coach for the Del Norte girls tennis team last year. “They both really played well but this time Emma played the best.”

Rumiano added that Wilson plans to continue her tennis career at Southern Oregon University in Ashland.

 The boys’ 18 and under singles had eight players take part. Gabriel Tretanier defeated Austin Schmalz in the finals, 6-0, 6-3. 

The final match of the day was the doubles finals, which ended up being Emma Wilson and Meghan Webb versus Catherine Macan and Jenna Madsen.

Macan and Madsen were the victors, with a score of 8-4 in the pro set.