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Short Term-Full Service Since 1985 VACATION VILLA MANAGEMENT 24 years of on island rental service e: info@seaviewhomes.com w: www.seaviewhomes.com t: 340-776-6805; toll-free 1-888-625-2963 4 bt 15 MINUTES COULD SAVE YOU 85% ON YOUR WAPA BILLS* Grid Tie Solar Electric - Alternative Energy PRO FORMA SOLAR tel: 693-7040 . email: w_osborn@earthlink.net Junior Tennis Players Swing Away at Ruth “Sis” Frank Tournament By Jaime Elliott St. John Tradewinds Tennis anyone? More than 30 junior tennis play- ers said “yes” to that question and took part in the first annual Ruth “Sis” Frank tournament over the weekend. Hosted by the St. John Junior Tennis Association led by Patrice Harley, the Sis Frank Tennis Tour- nament started on Friday, Novem- ber 6, and ran through Sunday af- ternoon, November 8, at the Cruz Bay courts. About 36 juniors from through- out the Virgin Islands took part in the three-day double elimination round robin tournament. While Harley, a retired teacher, has long been a fixture on the lo- cal tennis circuit, this was the first time she hosted a tournament in years. “This is the first tournament we're hosting in a while,” said Harley. “We had one back in 2000 and over the years we’ve had clin- ics also. My dad used to come over from St. Croix every summer and lead the clinics.” “Then we got involved with Parks and Rec. and they would send someone over to lead the clinics every summer,” Harley said. “Then I started doing classes on my own as I got more confi- dent. And now we’re hosting our first tournament in years.” The tournament was named in Frank’s honor as a way to thank the long-time resident for years of supporting tennis on St. John, ex- plained Harley. “Throughout the years, Sis has always supported tennis and the players,” Harley said. “Even when George Lewis was a junior play- er, she would always make sure that he and the other players had enough money to travel and get to the tournaments they needed to go to.” “Sis always supported the play- ers both verbally and monetarily,” said Harley. “She doesn’t coach, but she’s a good mentor and is al- ways encouraging the kids.” A former player herself, Frank was delighted to hear of the tennis tournament in her honor. St. John Tradewinds News Photo by Jaime Elliott Governor John deJongh, center, was spotted in the stands at the Cruz Bay tennis courts on Sunday afternoon, November 8, as Junior tennis players squared up across the net during the Ruth “Sis” Frank tournament. “T used to play tennis with Dr. Applegate back when there was one court at Caneel,” said Frank. “Tm very complimented to have the tournament in my name.” Frank, who founded the St. John School of the Arts and led the es- teemed pan bands Steel Unlimited and Steel Unlimited II, has long been involved with youth develop- ment. “I think the tournament means a great deal to the children,” said Frank. “Taking part in these types of things builds confidence and teaches kids how to get along with each other.” Frank fondly remembered watching George Lewis, a St. John tennis star, when he was a junior player. “My main star was George Lewis,” said Frank. “When he was a junior tennis player, his mother and I used to go to every single match that he had. Then he was sent to Hawaii and all over the uni- verse to play tennis.” “He’s still playing and teaching tennis today,” Frank said. Tennis is great for a child’s mind and body, Frank added. “It’s a wonderful all-around sport,” she said. “It gets the kids outside and teaches them to com- pete nicely. Patrice Harley has done a marvelous job with the pro- gram and the kids.” While competition is important, Harley was more concerned that all the competitors had fun. “By taking part in the tourna- ment, I hope kids walk away with a love of the game,” said Harley. “Winning and losing is secondary. I just want the kids to come out and enjoy playing and meet kids from other schools.” With students from St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John facing off across the net, Harley planned to make sure all of the students met each other, she explained. “Before each match, we'll have an introduction and the kids will say their names and what schools they attend,” Harley said. “I think it will be a great way for the kids to get to know each other — they already have tennis in common.” Check next week’s St John Tradewinds for results of the Ruth “Sis” Frank Tennis Tournament.