Tennis club might not have a name, but it has a good time

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Wednesday, April 22, 2009 | 11:50 p.m.

This organization has no name. It has no president or officers. It doesn't collect dues.

Yet, it is one of Boulder City's oldest and most successful athletic clubs.

Each Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning, a group of mostly senior citizens gather at the Broadbent Park tennis courts on Fifth Street and Avenue B for two hours of friendly tennis competition.

The club, which has been in existence since the 1980s, typically occupies three courts with co-ed doubles matches.

There is only one requirement to attend — have fun.

"Tennis is what keeps me going," said 79-year-old Lois Donaldson, a former Boulder City resident who travels from Henderson with her husband, Fred, to play.

"All of us feel like tennis keeps us active. This (group) helps us stay sharp."

Donaldson is so dedicated to the sport that she has had both of her knees replaced to continue playing.

Roughly 12 to 16 participants, all with similar health stories, attend each outing. A majority of the players are over the age of 60.

Some also play in senior competitions throughout the state — some even travel annually to the World Senior Games in St. George, Utah, — while others are novice players looking to stay fit.

"He is 68 and still strong," said Lois Donaldson, pointing to Larry Sondrol, clearly one of the top players on the court this morning. "He is one of the younger ones. When the matches get competitive, he shows his stuff."

Sondrol, who lives in Las Vegas, is a tennis-junkie who has traveled to the U.S. Open in New York and Australian Open following the sport.

He rarely misses a session at Broadbent Park .

"It's friendly competition, but everyone still wants to win," Sondrol said.

Roland Fraga, 76, started playing with the group in 1987 after having a heart bypass.

"Tennis is a good sport for seniors because there is no physical conduct like in football or basketball," Fraga said. "It is a sport anyone can play, even at our age."

The group also helps maintain the courts at Broadbent Park by picking up leaves and trash, said Roger Hall, director of the parks and recreation department. The city does not charge the group — or other groups — to play.

"They are a great group of people who help us out," Hall said.

Ray Brewer can be reached at 990-2662 or [email protected].