Belton Tennis

53rd Wachovia Palmetto Championships
in Belton June 5 - 12, 2009

The 53rd Wachovia Palmetto Championships finished with championship matches and an awards ceremony at the Belton Tennis Center on June 12, 2009. This concluded seven days of tennis played on over 48 courts in Belton and Anderson. The tournament ran on schedule throughout the week, with no rain delays. Entries were even with last year...425 players from throughout the state. Singles and doubles championships were decided for both boys and girls in five age divisions (10's, 12's, 14's, 16's & 18's). Three additional Belton Classic singles champions were determined. The Belton Classic is a separate Level III South Carolina tournament in the Boy's 14's & 16's and Girl's 14's consisting of players who do not advance through the qualifying into the main draw.

A highlight of the week was the annual 18's party held on Monday, June 8. Andy Johnson, Associate Athletic Director at Clemson University, was the guest speaker. The Dunlop Scholarship was presented to Stephanie Cox of Myrtle Beach. Stephanie will be attending Wofford College this fall where she will continue her tennis career.

Four champions added to previous Palmetto singles titles,

• Chris Cox of Myrtle Beach who won the Boy's 18's
• Molly O'Koniewski of Hilton Head who won the Girl's 18's
• Adam Elliget of Summerville who won the Boy's 12's
• Spencer Brown of Spartanburg who won the Boy's 10's (for the second straight year)

Three sportsmanship awards were also presented. Melanie Allen was the recipient of the Kimberly Hampton Memorial Sportsmanship Award for the Girl's 12's. Hampton Drake was the recipient of the Matthew Strange Memorial Sportsmanship Award for the Boy's 12's. Stephanie Cox, who also won the Dunlop Scholarship, was named the recipient of the Malloy Evans Memorial Sportsmanship Award.

Jim Russell and Stephanie Hammond served as Tournament Referees. Maxine LeCroy was the Referee for the 12's and Mary Burgess for the 10's. Carey Washington was the chief umpire, and was joined by 27 USTA certified officials. Rex Maynard and Mark Smith were Tournament Directors and Rita Rector was the Tournament Chairman.

Maynard had this to say: "We had great competition, as we always do. There were tough matches throughout the week, many going to three sets. South Carolina can be proud of the quality of play we have in our junior divisions. The kids were great, and they were well prepared both mentally and physically. They maintained a positive attitude through the pressure of the state's qualifying tournament and some tough matches. We had every few issues with the players' behavior, and good sportsmanship was seen throughout the week. It was a great week, and we thank our staff, volunteers and sponsors....and especially the players....for another successful Palmetto Championships in Belton!"

More 2009 WPC Tournament Information:

Draws & Competition Results