Fourth grader takes to tennis just like his dad
Nine-year-old Gavin Ross took second place at his very first tennis tournament in Bison Park this summer.
By Kathy Fallert; photo courtesy of the Ross family
July 22 -24 was the start of an annual tradition – the Castle Rock Tennis Tournament played at Bison Park in The Meadows. Out of eight kids in the 12 and under category, Castle Pines Village resident Gavin Ross took second place after three days of playing in the Colorado heat.
Ross, a fourth grader at Buffalo Ridge Elementary, has been playing since he was seven years old. He has received coaching from his tennis-playing dad Allen Ross, as well as Castle View High School tennis coach Ben Wolfe. Wolfe offers tennis lessons to all ages and was the organizer of the tournament.
Allen Ross started playing tennis at the age of 14 and has been playing ever since. He won his first tournament, just like his son, at two years in. Allen commented, “It’s a real pleasure to be able to coach Gavin and watch him learn such a fun game. He really is enjoying it and is looking forward to continuing to practice and improve his skills. Gavin put in a lot of practice time before the tournament, and it was great to see all of his hard work pay off!”
Coach Wolfe, who started playing at the age of 15, has achieved a 5.0 tennis rating with more than 10 years of coaching experience and has no formal training himself. Wolfe remarked, “There is more to improving your tennis game than just through a tennis lesson. Having good health, mobility, fitness and even strategy for matches can get you to the level you have been striving for without even looking at your technique. Being a certified health coach has also given me expertise in maximizing the mind and body needed to reach a 5.0 tennis level. Side effects include the capability to climb 14ers in Colorado!”
Nine-year-old Gavin said, “I had fun in my first tournament. It makes me want to practice more so I can win next time!”
