By Ricky Martinez, special to USTA.com
TUCSON, Ariz. – The Midwest section men of the Towpath Tennis Club in Akron, Ohio, couldn’t be calmer going into the USTA League Adult 40 & Over 3.0 National Championships at the Hilton El Conquistador Resort. Self-described as a group of modest guys, they said they made it to Nationals because they simply love the game of tennis.
“I never really played tennis a whole lot,” admitted new team member Jim Schulte. “When I did, it was generally singles because it got me to run around more. I’ve really grown to have an appreciation for doubles since I’ve joined this team. It’s been interesting to watch everyone on the team grow together and improve, so it’s been a good year.”
Akron is known for its athletes’ pride in the city, and the men of the Towpath Tennis Center are no different. Schulte noted that the club got its name because it was built along the towpath that runs through Akron.
The team has enjoyed an exceptional year by going undefeated in local competition, in addition to adding several new players on the roster like Schulte.
“We had a nice year in the Northwest USTA league in Eastern Ohio,” said Schulte. “We went undefeated, won the state championships and then won at Regionals in Indianapolis.”
For Schulte, what started as an outlet to stay in shape has turned into a passion he plans to pursue for as long as he can.
“I love it. My wife has played forever and I’ll keep playing until I age up or break up,” joked Schulte. “Whatever the rules are, I’ll play until then. I enjoy it.”