Steve Song & Lori Greenman win big at Turkey Shoot

Steve Song and Lori Greenman were the top winners at our annual Turkey Shoot, but a terrific catered lunch was the biggest hit. On November 22nd, 48 lucky I.T.A. players and guests patently traded shots through six rounds of random tandem mixed doubles in anticipation of lunch and awards. They were rewarded with a delicious, hot and generously portion thanksgiving feast. President Nan Diesen-Ng presided at the awards ceremony on the concrete ‘ampitheater’ adjacent to the Woodbridge High School courts before a very well stuffed somewhat boisterous crowd. Close runner-up recognition was given to Mike Szesterniak, Mark Gross, Joyce Lim, Sharon Jiminez and Anneke Chang. Steve and Lori were awarded some goofy looking turkey trophies along with $20 turkey gift certificates. Other high scorers were also noted: Austin Gallegos, Jon Vu, David McDonnell, Tim Chan, Karen Files, Kelly Szesterniak, Bonnie Wilson and Becky Schuler. A Few observations from the bleachers: Nan politely asked a scruffy looking man in a quirky straw hat if he was there to blow leaves off the courts, then she recognized him as one of our own. It was Tom Kipp. He advised that he had no leaf blower in his tennis bag. I.T.A. old timers were thrilled to see Micheal and Anneke Chang back in our club after a ten year hiatus. We missed that familiar laugh and that nasty forehand. Veteran Fred Romero, the avocado man, was a no show due to a last minute medical problem, so Suzanne Frank graciously volunteered to fill his spot. She scored extremely well, as might be expected. Suzanne also stepped up and made a significant contribution in helping Nan and Ray all morning…most notably dishing up salad in the lunch line. This woman has many skills. Other names among the I.T.A. newcomers and guests were David McDonnell, Patty French, Jae Hui Kim, Stacie Chan and Becky Schuler. Question: How could a 75 pound lady like Hong Sam Nguyen possibly consume that much food? Maybe there should be some sort of investigation. Gary Bird and Paul Webber kept things loose all morning with their quick wit, crazy shots, and outrageous behavior. These guys are hilarious and are a reminder to all of us not to get too serious about points and scores and rules. Their message is ‘Really, tennis is only a game, enjoy it’. This is especially true at the I.T.A. Turkey Shoot. Now everybody knows. Mike and Kelly are going to have a baby.

-Joe B.