BUCYRUS — After a year’s hiatus, the annual Jim Grandy Invitational Tennis Tournament came off as scheduled at Bucyrus High School Saturday.
Eight teams participated in the ninth edition of the tournament, though last year’s was not played due to the pandemic.
“This was our ninth year,” said Bucyrus tennis coach John Supon, who coordinates the tournament. “We’ve played six of them. Everybody had a good time, and we have one of the best facilities in the area.”
Upper Sandusky edged Ontario, 13-11, in a tight race at the top. River Valley was right behind in third with 10 points. Four points are awarded to first place in each of five categories, three points for second, two for third and one for fourth.
“This was almost like I thought it would play out,” Supon said. “I thought River Valley was the favorite going in, but I knew Upper Sandusky and Ontario would be strong and Galion too — they were missing a player. I thought those were the four top teams.”
Josh Mulvaine of River Valley won first singles, 8-5, over runner-up Chris Amick of Galion. Upper Sandusky’s Owen Knapp was third. Ethan Collins of Upper Sandusky won second singles, 8-4, over Cam Robinson of Willard. Chase Osborne of River Valley took third place.
In third singles, Holden Darris of Upper Sandusky defeated Dylan Damron of Ontario, 8-5, for first place. Zeke Klenszman of River Valley finished third.
“We had some top-notch tennis,” Supon said. “I thought everything was pretty competitive. We had a lot of long matches today. It showed with the number of teams that were in competition for the championship.”
The team of Hollis and Grimes of Galion won first doubles, 8-0, over runners-up Tam and Phillips of Ontario. River Valley’s Bollinger and Desni finished third.
In second doubles, Booker and Keller of Ontario bested Lopez and Rothaar of Willard, 8-3. Wines and Maginn of Upper Sandusky grabbed third place.
“I was a little disappointed in our performance,” Supon said of his Redmen. “We had some matches that went deep into the set, but we just couldn’t pull it out. I have a young team and we’re going to get better.”
Galion and Willard tied for fourth place with seven points and Clear Fork was sixth with two points. Bucyrus and Marion Harding failed to score a point.
“I thought the weather made for some pretty good tennis,” Supon said. “The kids played up to their ability. Overall, it was a great day of sportsmanship and tennis here at the Bucyrus Community Courts.
“I’m sure Mr. Grandy would have been happy with what kind of tennis that was played here today.” Supon added. “I look forward to next year and all the teams are coming back and Upper Sandusky defending their title.”