Goldsboro learns from 2013, ready to host 2014 NCTA state tournament

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on October 9, 2014 1:48 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

Goldsboro just might become "Tennis Town USA" again.

For the second straight year, the city is playing host to the North Carolina Singles League State Championships, which begin Friday morning at facilities in Wayne and Greene counties.

The three-day event is expected to draw more than 400 competitors from 14 regions statewide. They'll compete for 16 men's and women's state titles in different age/level groups.

This time, there is no rain in the forecast.

Constant thunderstorms disrupted play last year and caused tournament organizers to break out squeegees, towels and leaf blowers in an attempt to clear water from the courts. The delays forced some teams to play into the late hours of the evening and return for early-morning matches the following day.

"We definitely have a better rain plan in place, are better equipped for it this year," said Sherry Strickland, tournament director. "We're determined not to get surprised and caught off guard like last year. But it was awesome that the Goldsboro Parks and Recreation Department staff really jumped in and helped us out.

"We had some other adversities to overcome. But it was a good feeling to see everyone come together to help bring something to Goldsboro ... not only to help the economy, but bring together the community and I really enjoyed that aspect of it."

The tournament is undoubtedly an economic boost to Goldsboro due to multi-day hotel reservations, restaurant visits and other factors that help create a generous revenue. And because the town is hosting the event, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) rewards it with grant money that can be used to jump-start programs for younger players and improve public facilities.

Unlike a year ago when no teams qualified, the Neuse River League has six teams involved in this year's state championships. There are two 18-year-old teams (men 3.5 and women 3.5), three 40-plus men's teams (3.5, 4.0 and 4.5) and one 40-plus women's 3.5 team.

Each is armed with talented players.

Two teams to watch are the men's 40-plus 4.5 squad and women's 40-plus 3.5 team. John Collins heads the men's 40-plus squad that includes Geoff Kokiko, former Spring Creek girls' and boys' head coach Robert Jones, and Wilson's Jon Hodges.

Collins' team will play a best-of-five series against the Capital Area. Their first match is Friday at 2 p.m. at Goldsboro Country Club. They could play five matches within a three-day stretch, including two each on Saturday and Sunday.

"(The schedule) requires you to be healthy and have good endurance," Collins said. "The second thing is you have to be able to concentrate and play mentally tough at whichever level you are. Most of the time you're matched up with someone similar to you tennis-wise, but the one who can mentally focus on the match is the one who usually wins the match."

The Neuse 4.5 women's 40-plus team will battle in a six-team, round-robin pool. They've been placed into Group 2 and open play Friday against Eno River at 12:30 p.m. at Eastern Wayne High School.

Seven players comprise the team, which is directed by Julie Jackson.

"It's going to be tough for us, but it will be fun trying," Jackson said.