by Brandon Call
Daily Lobo
The UNM men's and women's tennis teams are dusting off their rackets and gearing up for the Lobo Labor Day Tournament.
The tournament, held Aug. 31 through Sept. 3 at the Lobo Tennis Club, serves as a great way for Lobo players to get back into playing shape, men's head coach Alan Dils said.
"Coming off the summer break, it's a great way to get acclimated again," he said. "It helps players get their kinks out and start to play quality tennis again."
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With many UNM players from around the world, the tournament also helps players get used to playing conditions in Albuquerque, Dils said.
"It's also good to feel the courts again," he said, "and it's good to get the feel for New Mexico with the altitude and the heat and various other factors that hamper your tennis game."
The Lobos are challenged physically during the tournament,
Dils said.
"The tournament is not a collegiate event," he said. "It's open to anyone. Whether it is an experienced club player or an ex-Lobo, everyone can enter."
But the tournament does not only benefit the UNM tennis teams. Fans get the rare chance of playing on the same court as their favorite Lobo players, Dils said.
"It's not just about winning and losing," he said. "It's about seeing how you stack up against collegiate tennis players. You can throw yourself in the tournament and see how hard these guys hit the ball and see how good they
really are."
Lobo junior Mackenzie White said the tournament brings players closer with fans.
"We get to play against some of the very same people who are rooting for us in the crowd," she said. "In a sport like tennis, any fans that we can get to come and cheer us on at home games is welcomed. This tournament helps us build that."
Last year, the tournament featured 198 tennis players of all ages and abilities from Albuquerque and surrounding areas.
Dils said he hopes the number of competitors will increase
this year.
"We had a lot of participants in 2006, and we are looking to keep on growing this year," he said.
The tournament is divided into five ability levels and offers men's and women's singles and doubles, as well as mixed doubles.
Whether an elite collegiate player, or an everyday player, the tournament offers competition for everyone, Dils said.
"Come out and enjoy the sunshine and play some good tennis matches," he said. "That's basically what it's all about is playing tennis and having fun."
The last day to sign up for the tournament is Sunday. You can sign up online at
TennisLink.Usta.com or by calling the Lobo Tennis Club at 925-5991. The cost is $23 for singles and $18 for doubles, with a limit of three events per participant.
For further information about the Lobo Labor Day Tournament, contact the tournament director, Loren Dils, at 925-5732.
