Walt Herrick Memorial tennis tournament starts Jan. 1

Many of the best pro tournament players, teaching pros, college players, and high school players in the Midwest will be competing at The Racket Club over the New Year's weekend for their share of a $5,000 total purse. Last year's singles winner was Marek Michalicka, ranked in the top 250 in the world on the ATP Tour.

Players may enter singles, doubles, or both divisions. The tournament begins at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 1, and 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 2 and 3, and matches will wrap up around 9 p.m. each day.

Spectators may enjoy viewing matches through wall-to-wall windows in the comfort of the lounge or sitting courtside to experience the action firsthand.

In keeping with the vision of one of the Racket Club's founders, the late Walt Herrick Sr., the event raises funds toward tennis lessons for deserving boys and girls of the local community. Every year, the foundation awards Racket Club tennis instructional scholarships for applicants who demonstrate dedication on and off the court to tennis, academics, and the improvement of their surroundings.

General admission is $2 each day and proceeds benefit the Walt Herrick Memorial Foundation scholarship fund, providing local youngsters with tennis lessons at The Racket Club.

The Racket Club, a facility of Crystal Lake Park District, is at 9101 S. Route 31, one mile south of Rakow Road, in Algonquin. For details, call club manager/tournament director Rob Laue at (847) 658-5688, ext. 2014 or visit www.theracketclub.org.