Tennis Topics
Published: June 4, 2009, Richmond Tennis Association website
Richmond rallies in a big way for Keith Mumford on Sunday
by John Packett, RTA Staff Writer
The tennis community came out in full force for Keith Mumford on Sunday.
Approximately 250 players took part in the "Richmond Tennis Rallies for Keith" event at nine clubs around town. Afterward, nearly 400 people showed up for the cookout that followed at the Country Club of Virginia.
The events were in honor of and to help raise money to pay medical bills for Keith Mumford, a long-time player in the Richmond area who suffered a near-fatal heart attack in late December and is awaiting a heart transplant at the VCU Medical Center.
"It was an amazing day," said Julie Ogborne, director of special events at CCV and one of the main organizers.
"This event truly showed how wonderful the Richmond tennis community is. It is a testament to Keith, and how he has led his life, to be able to bring out all these people to show their support. Keith's story and his battle ... has inspired us all.
"We are all praying that he gets his heart very soon."
The Richmond Tennis Association named its sportsmanship award this year for the Davenport City Championships in honor of Mumford.
"We were completely overwhelmed by the support," said Keith’s brother, Chris. "That’s the only word my brother could think of as well. Overwhelmed by the turnout and the amount of support he’s gotten since this happened. It was wonderful.
"If he wasn’t attached to the artificial heart, he could have been up and walking around at that rally."
Chris Mumford said Keith is near the top of the list for receiving a new heart, and the family is hoping one will become available soon.
"Keith is doing great. We’re just anxious and we’re all ready to get on with the next stage of things. He’s getting better and stronger every day."
Others who helped organize the affair were area pros Mark Bernstine, Joe Cappellino, Eddie Parker, Scott Steinour and Cris Robinson.
In addition to CCV, adult round-robins and junior events were held at the Westwood Club, Hermitage CC, Willow Oaks CC, Kanawha Recreation Association, Ridgetop Recreation Association, Raintree Swim and Racquet Club, Salisbury CC and the Dominion Club.
Mary Hunter Bartzen and Jodi Alvis, close friends of the Mumford family. were also closely involved in getting the event off the ground.
Although a substantial amount of money was raised toward helping to pay the medical bills, the family preferred that the focus of the event be based on the enthusiasm and support of the community for someone who has meant a lot to local tennis for a long time.
Hahn, Parker seeking state singles and doubles crowns this week
by John Packett, RTA Staff Writer
Central Region champions Emily Hahn and Kyle Parker will be making their bids for the state Group AAA singles and doubles titles starting today -- weather permitting -- at Jefferson District Park in Fairfax. The tournament runs through Saturday.
Joining Hahn, Douglas Freeman's No. 1 player, in the girls singles draw will be Central runner-up Yasmin Fotovat, Atlee's top player.
Hahn, a freshman, and teammate Elena Rusu will be part of the doubles field, along with Fotovat and her partner, Shao-Ching Tu.
In the boys singles draw, Parker will be joined by Hunter Koontz of Deep Run. Koontz, the Wildcat's No. 1 player, beat Parker, Mills Godwin's top player, for the first time this spring in the state Group AAA team championship match last Saturday.
Parker had defeated Koontz on four previous occasions, including a hard-fought, three-hour marathon in the regional final.
In doubles, Parker and teammate Kevin McMillen, the region champions, could face Koontz and Evan Charles again.
Other than Koontz, a sophomore, Parker's chief competition could come from Justin Shane of JEB Stuart, the Northern Region champion who is in the other half of the draw. Parker opens with Cameron Brawley of Frank Cox.
Hahn's toughest foe appears to be Northern champ Faby Chaillo, George Marshall's No. 1 player. Chaillo disposed of Nicole Parker, Godwin's top player, 6-2, 6-2 in the state quarterfinal team match. Yillian Zhang of Westfield is another potential roadblock.
Hahn will play her first match against Kathleen Dawson of Ocean Lakes.