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