Taking it to the courts
Tennis lovers seek to revive sport
Sarah Ladik
Northern News Services
Thursday, September 8, 2016
INUVIK
The summer season may be short and coming to an end, but some athletes are trying to stretch it as far as possible.
Gene Jenks prepares to serve during a tennis match at a tennis court near East Three Secondary School Sept. 3. - Sarah Ladik/NNSL photo
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"Much like the hockey league I began a few years ago, it's kinda selfish," said enthusiast Gene Jenks, who works as the information systems and technology consultant for the Beaufort Delta Education Council. "I want to play tennis."
There are two courts near East Three Secondary School going largely unused. A former teacher at the school, Jenks said there is a missed opportunity to be seized.
"I want to gauge the interest, see if anyone else is interested in playing," Jenks said. "Who knows? Maybe there are a ton of people out there wishing they could play tennis and just not knowing who they can play against."
Steve Dagar faced off against Jenks Sept. 3 during an informal game. He agreed there could be room for expansion.
"I'm just trying to stay active," he told the Drum. "I don't have much time lately."
Jenks explained that the squash club works on a sort of ladder system, whereby players attempt to defeat those ranked just above them. He sees a tennis club following a similar pattern, but it's early days yet.
Jenks put out a call on social media to see if anyone is interested in formalizing the sport a little bit in the community.
"Worst case, we have a list of people who are interested in playing," he said.
When he worked at the school, Jenks said he enjoyed taking part in the informal East Three Open every year. He hopes some of the same people will be game to revive the event and grow the season into something a little more robust.
"The outdoor season is short," he admitted. "But we'd have the summer to play, then almost until the end of September."
Jerks said if 10 people turned out to play, he would call that a success.
"Maybe there are people interested. Time will tell."
