Tampa Tennis Blog: Pretty in Pink, Gonzalez Honor, 100 Years Young

McCreary Celebrates 100 Years Young, Credits Tennis

Clare McCreary

Clare McCreary began the day that would include celebrating his 100th birthday like he has begun at least two other days every week since he retired — with a game of tennis at Seminole Lake Family Tennis Center with his friends.

The retired orthodontist jokingly credits choosing the right parents for his longevity. He maintains a high level of activity that includes physical and mental workouts on non-tennis days.

“I’m not old enough to play golf,” McCreary quipped. “Years ago, I played some golf for exercise, but when they began to require using a cart, I stopped. Besides, when you hit a bad shot in golf, you have to go find it; when you hit a bad shot in tennis, you just hit another one.”

McCreary said he never really thought about his age until people started commenting on the fact he was turning 100. He’s just focused on enjoying life with June, his wife of 75 years and playing tennis with his friends!

School Coach Gonzalez Named to H.S. Hall of Fame

Emilio Gonzalez of Clearwater was recently named to Immaculata LaSalle High School’s 2016 Sports Hall of Fame representing the class of 1965. It was then the high schooler convinced the administration of the need for a varsity tennis team, and then recruited five players and a faculty member to coach the team.

Gonzalez’s 25-year coaching career began at South Miami Middle School in 1973. In 2004, he was named Coach of the Year by the National High School Coaches Association for achieving Miami Sunset High School’s 9th consecutive and 13th overall 4-A title.

In all, the girls won 10 consecutive state titles and the boys four. In 2009, Gonzalez was named to the All-Dade County Tennis Association.

Since moving to Clearwater in 2007, Gonzalez has been an active volunteer for tennis at all levels and is a board member with the Suncoast Tennis Association.

9th Pretty in Pink Raises More than $15K

8.5 Mixed Champions

Countryside Tennis Center hosted the 9th Annual Pretty in Pink fundraiser to benefit My Hope Chest, a national 501©3 charitable group that assists uninsured and under-insured post-surgical survivors with breast augmentation.

Players played, partied and helped raise more than $15,000. After an evening that included mingling of players, sponsors, vendors and volunteers while enjoying food and live music, women’s competition began the next day in four NTRP divisions. The second day of competition included mixed doubles in three NTRP levels.

Mixed winners included Therese Gardner & Greg Houck in 8.5, Marissa & Mike Pennings 7.5-8.0, and Kathy & Kyle Duncan 6.5-7.0. Women’s champions included Debbie Golomb & Jean Barton in 4.5-plus, Monica Sanchez & Kelly Hansen 4.0, Chieko Perry & Elaine Aschenbrenner 3.5, and Deanna Dys & Lorena Taylor 3.0.