MAC takes 2010 Anthem Club Challenge Cup

Midlothian Athletic Club (MAC) won the 2010 Anthem Club Challenge, held September 24-26 at the Westwood Club in Richmond, Va. With a score of 110, MAC barely grabbed first place—they had ACAC on their heels with a score of 106. The rest of the field placed as follows: Raintree, Burkwood, Westwood, Salisbury, Woodlake, CCV, Midlothian Tennis Club, Dominion, Hermitage, and Willow Oaks.

En route to their first ever Anthem Challenge win, MAC teams led the scoring each day of the 3 day event. “This was our first time wining so everyone was so excited,” commented Al Thomas, MAC’s head pro. He attributed the club’s first place honors to the tryout process. “Different clubs have their own way of establishing their teams—some are hand picked, some compete. We had a great tryout process and that’s what really made our teams strong. We had a lot of players trying out and there was a lot of great competition. The winners really earned their spots and that’s what made our teams strong going into the event.” He noted that member support was also strong. “Those players that didn’t get a spot practiced with the teams so club support was there.” Overall, he said, it was a terrific event for the players. “It was fantastic and everyone had a great time.”

The Anthem Challenge, now in its 18th year, is the biggest non-USTA tournament/event in VA. With over 600 players competing, this three-day event fields the top players from a dozen tennis clubs throughout the Richmond metropolitan area. Organized by the RTA and sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, the event features 12 teams competing over 3 days. Each team has players compete in USTA rated levels of 3.0 to 4.5, as well as an Open level for a men’s and a mixed doubles team. Competition is doubles only, with 2 men’s, 2 women’s, and one mixed doubles teams at each level (except Open, which has 1 men’s and one mixed doubles team). The scoring system awards the winning team 2 points for each individual match, while the losing team receives 1 point and defaults result in no points. The winning team is determined by the club that accumulates the most points over the 3 days of play.

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