The first-ever Bexley High School Alumni Tennis Tournament will be held on Labor Day, Monday, September 5, 2016 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m at the high school tennis courts on Stanwood Avenue. The tournament will have a mixed doubles format, single elimination with a consolation bracket; at least one player on each doubles team must be a Bexley High School alumnus.
“Whether you’re a state champion or a recreational player, this will be a fun event,” said tournament Chair Jen Bunker. “We encourage BHS alumni and community members to team up, sign up and play!”
The community is invited to come to the free event, which will feature local food trucks and activities for children, for a few minutes or a few hours. The organizing committee is looking to recruit some former BHS state tennis champions to participate. An exhibition match begins at 1:00 p.m.; an awards ceremony will follow immediately.
Andrew Stern in the 1992 Bexleo yearbook
The inaugural tournament will celebrate the rich history of tennis at Bexley High School, and will honor the memory of two-time state doubles champion and BHS Class of ’92 grad Andrew Stern. Stern, a scholar-athlete, grew up in Bexley and served as captain of both the BHS basketball and tennis teams. Tennis, however, was his passion and with his doubles partner Kevin Seckel, Andrew took home the state doubles title in 1989 and 1990, as well as third place in the singles division in 1990. He attended Miami University of Ohio, and later excelled in the field of sports marketing, working with the Los Angeles Lakers and Broadband Sports. He went on to found his own online advertising agency. His death at age 40 in 2014 was a terrible loss for his family and many friends.
Registration for the tournament is $35 per player. The deadline to register is August 1. Businesses are invited to become sponsors at the $200 level and be recognized on the tournament T-shirt. Funds raised will benefit the Lions’ Pride Alumni Fund of the Bexley Education Foundation, which supports a variety of activities for Bexley High School students that will enhance the Bexley experience and create memories that last a lifetime. To enter or to become a sponsor, contact the Foundation at (614) 338-2093 or BEF@Bexleyschools.org. Sign up here!