News Summary

The Wheeling Oglebay Tennis Club (WOTC) has kicked off an exciting 2025 season filled with vibrant events for players of all ages. From a high school OVAC Kick-off featuring drills with local university teams to fun January activities celebrating Wheeling Park’s centennial, the club offers engaging experiences. Youth programs, including match play and upcoming tournaments, promise a fantastic year ahead for tennis enthusiasts in the community.

Wheeling, West Virginia: A New Tennis Season Blooming at WOTC

The Wheeling Oglebay Tennis Club (WOTC) is diving into a vibrant 2025 season packed with engaging tennis events for players of all ages. With plenty of activities already in motion, the energy surrounding the club is electric. Recently, WOTC hosted an OVAC Kick-off aimed at high school players aspiring to sharpen their skills and love for the game.

All Eyes on the Court

This kick-off was particularly special as it featured friendly faces from the West Liberty University (WLU). Coaches and players came together to run fun drills, giving their insights while working alongside the enthusiastic young players. WOTC, a non-profit dedicated to promoting tennis, truly has something for everyone this year.

A January of Fun and Games

January marked the first event of the year, which coincided with Wheeling Park’s 100-Year Celebration. The celebration was a remarkable game night brimming with laughter and lively activities. Everyone was treated to on-court fun that included:

  • Playing with wooden racquets, a nostalgic twist for many.
  • A contest to hit targets for exciting prizes.
  • A challenging volley competition.
  • An innovative game called triples.

One participant shared lovely memories of using wooden racquets back in the 1960s, reminiscing about their heavy feel compared to today’s sleek designs. After all the fun, participants were treated to delicious refreshments courtesy of the Wheeling Park Commission and WOTC.

February’s OVAC High School Kick-off

As February rolled around, the vibe didn’t let up. The OVAC High School Kick-off offered a delightful two-hour free clinic tailored for aspiring tennis players from various OVAC schools, regardless of their skill level. Players were divided into groups based on their abilities, ensuring everyone had a meaningful experience.

The WLU men’s and women’s tennis teams took charge of the drills, under the guidance of their skilled coaches. Their enthusiasm and expertise contributed significantly to the clinic’s success, emphasizing the importance of skill development before the tennis season begins.

Youth Match Play – A Weekend Staple

Moving into the rhythm of spring, the Youth Match Play program kicked off and ran for six weeks every Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. This dynamic event showcased singles and doubles matches for players who could handle the competition, including scoring and playing points. Led by teaching professional Jeremy McClelland, the program is designed to enhance young players’ match-playing skills while fostering camaraderie among peers.

Looking Ahead: A Promising Lineup of Events

WOTC’s president expressed excitement about this promising start and highlighted the perks of using an indoor facility for hosting events throughout the year.

Looking to the future, there’s an exciting lineup of events that will cater to different age groups and skill levels:

  • An Elementary Play Day for ages 4 to 12 on April 12.
  • Millie Mulhern Youth Tennis events in May and September, designed for grades 4 to 11.
  • Jack Dorsey Senior Memorial tournament from June 18 to 22, specifically for players aged 35 to 90.
  • West Virginia Open from July 31 to August 3, boasting $5,000 in prize money and various competitive opportunities targeting National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) levels.
  • Summer Camps for both youth and adults slated throughout July.
  • Exciting adult round robins and a members-only tournament in August.

To make things even easier, WOTC is revamping their website to introduce new event registration through the United States Tennis Association, making it easier than ever for players to get involved.

Join the Fun!

For anyone interested in the myriad of programs and events set for 2025, all you need to do is reach out via email at wheelingoglebaytennisclub@gmail.com. It’s shaping up to be a fantastic year at the Wheeling Oglebay Tennis Club, with plenty of opportunities to get involved and enjoy the game!

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