Summer court now in session

H ave racket? Play tennis.

Players enjoy matches on the Port Aransas High School courts nearly every day of the week during the summer. If you're a tennis player, you're invited to join. You don't even need to bring a partner -- just a racket and some balls. If tennis is your game, you

can enjoy a match

while visiting Port Aransas - for free.

Visitors are always welcome to join an informal group of adult tennis players at the Port Aransas High School tennis courts on Station Street. The only requirements are a knowledge of the game, your racket and some tennis balls.

Four lighted and four unlighted courts are open to the public.

On a weekly basis, players gather for men's, women's and/or mixed doubles at 7:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Evening matches are played on Monday and Wednesday at 7 o'clock. Bring a racket and some balls -- you don't even need a partner.

In addition to the weekly games, the group holds a monthly round robin tennis tournament on the first Saturday of the month. Again, you don't need to have a partner. Just be at the high school courts at 7:45 a.m. and be ready to play at 8 a.m. The tournament usually lasts three to four hours, depending on the number of players that show up and the weather.

The number of sets and scoring method vary depending upon the number of teams entered. Entry "fee" is a can of new tennis balls.

Teams that win the greatest number of games are winners.

Players draw for partners, and the only requirement for entering besides the can of tennis balls is a desire to have fun.

In addition to weekly pick-up games and the round robin tournament, the Winter Old-Lympics tournament celebrates the fellowship of Winter Texans and residents on the tennis courts. The tournament, which concludes with a covered dish awards party at one of the resident members' homes, usually is held the fourth weekend in February.

Watch the South Jetty for details.