GOOD SPORTS
14
Back to School Edition 2016
BlueRibbonNews.com
For Jerry Thomas,
tennis is more
than just a casual
hobby – it’s a
lifelong passion.
Thomas is one
of the top ranked
senior players in
the United States,
and has been for
several years. At
the end of 2015
his National Ranking was #4 in singles
and #2 in doubles with his partner Hugh
Thomason. He also previously served as a
committee member of the National Adult
& Senior Competition Committee for the
United States Tennis Association (USTA).
Most recently, on July 8 and 9, Thomas
competed with a team of four other
senior players in the 2016 Gordon Trophy
International, representing the United
States in the International Seniors’ Tennis
competition against Canada. The team won
and proudly brought back the gold cup to
American soil.
“It was humbling to be able to represent our
country,” Thomas said. “A very small
percentage of people ever get to do that.
When they start playing the national anthem
at a ceremony, that is as humbling as it gets.”
This competition was Thomas’ sixth
time to represent the United States at an
international match. Among his numerous
accomplishments are the 2010 USTA Texas
Section Senior Spirit Award, given to a player
who exemplifies qualities of sportsmanship,
and the 2011 Julius Zinn Seniors’ Service
Award, honoring a senior member of the
USTA Texas Section who worked toward the
improvement of senior activities.
Thomas started playing at age 8, then went
on to compete at a junior level and collegiate
level. His career and family life became his
priority for a while after that, but soon he
decided he couldn’t stay out of the game.
After retraining his body over the course
of about 15 years, Thomas now competes
internationally and teaches lessons to a
select few players in whom he sees the
most potential.
Thomas said he believes in giving back to
the tennis community because it has been
such a source of joy for him all his life.
“Volunteering is as important as playing,”
Thomas said. “I decided I wanted to give
back because of everything this sport has
allowed me to accomplish.”
Thomas also gives back by helping fellow
tennis players improve. He said he only
works with about 10 players, ranging in age
from junior level to adults, because he is
very selective about who he teaches.
“For those that I work with, I make an
absolute commitment that I will make
them the best possible players that they
can become,” Thomas said. “I want those
people to be competitive, have a love for the
game, and be willing to put the time in to
learn. I spend a tremendous amount of time
with them because they are committed to
becoming better players.”
Thomas said since he retired from his
primary occupation as a business man three
years ago, he hasn’t shown much interest
in teaching full time for income; He simply
enjoys watching hard working students
become successful.
“I’ve watched them grow from the
beginning,” Thomas said. “Now they are
winning tournaments themselves. It is such
a gratifying feeling to see the results. I don’t
do it for the money.”
Above all, Thomas
said his love for tennis continues year after
year because age doesn’t hinder him from
playing skillfully.
“It’s a sport for a lifetime,” Thomas said.
Story by Julie Anne White, Blue Ribbon News
reporter. Photos courtesy Jerry Thomas.
The Rockwall community stepped up
to bat for its brothers in blue this past
weekend during the Back the Blue Baseball
Tournament hosted by Rockwall Parks and
Recreation. The charity tournament was held
at the Leon Tuttle Athletic Complex on July
23-24 and benefitted local police officers.
Dave Wilson with Rockwall Parks and
Recreation presented the Rockwall Police
Department with the $2000 raised from
the tournament in the form of a giant
check on July 28.
“It’s a real honor to put on this tournament
for our officers,” Wilson said. “They mean so
much to our community, and it’s important
for us to show our support locally. It’s been
awesome to see the support and everyone
jumping on board with this.”
Wilson added that Rockwall Parks and
Recreation plans to make the tournament an
annual event as a means to continue showing
the community’s support for its brothers in blue.
Following the Dallas shooting on July 7
which left five officers killed and nearly
a dozen more wounded, the community’s
sense of appreciation for its officers has
been stronger than ever and has been shown
in a variety of ways – fundraisers, prayer
circles, and many notes of gratitude, love
and encouragement. Rockwall Police Chief
Kirk Riggs said the outpour of support from
the community since the Dallas shooting has
been a blessing and very humbling for he
and his fellow police officers.
“The community has been very supportive
and caring,” Riggs said. “They’ve upped
their show of support to a whole other level I
didn’t think possible. It speaks volumes, and
we’re blessed to have such a thoughtful and
kind community rallying behind us.”
Blue Ribbon News photographer/video
intern Blake Macaluso was on hand at the
tournament to capture all the exciting baseball
action! Check out more of Blake’s awesome
photos of the tournament on our Facebook
page, facebook.com/BlueRibbonNews/.
Story and photo of check presentation by
Austin Wells, Blue Ribbon News editor.
Senior tennis player shares award-winning talent
Community hits home run with
BACK THE BLUE
Baseball Tournament