Coach offers instruction in Cheney
Steve Forbes directs a practice game and will be part of the summer tennis program.
Vic Baycroft returns a serve at a recent tennis session.
CHENEY - Boys tennis coach Daniel Estock is truly passionate about the sport and wants to do what he can to sprinkle some of that enthusiasm around the community this summer.
For the months of June and July, the Salnave Tennis Courts will be open on Saturdays from 9 to 11 a.m. for any member of the community to come play tennis.
Not a tennis player you say? Estock will do his best to fix that, no matter your age.
There will be at least one coach there to welcome you, give free lessons and manage court space for everyone that comes. And he's equipped to handle what he hopes might be an activity that has the curious lined up to see that is going on.
Maybe they just want to hit back and forth with their friend or perhaps they want to work on their serve? Or they have never played before?
"We love teaching the game to newcomers and are more than happy to give lessons and feedback for whatever skill level you may be at," all absolutely at no charge Estock said.
Estock's confident he and other coaches can flatten the learning curve for tennis.
"I am so fortunate to be joined by Jesse Erickson and Steve Forbes who volunteer coach with me," Estock wrote in an email.
Erickson coached at Cheney for 16 years prior to Estock taking over five years ago.
"Forbes has been an integral part of our program the last couple years because he is just drawn to the game and can't not contribute," Estock said.
There is an ulterior motive for Estock to reach out to the community as he is.
"Only 12 boys played for us (Cheney High School) this year," he explained. "We are competing in the GSL against teams that quadruple that number."
Programs exist for most other sports to help hone skills, Estock said.
"I want parents and kids to know that there is tennis as well," he said. "As it is, we don't even have a middle school program for our boys."
Many of his players come to high school with only a few days experience from a PE class.
"We are doing what we can to change that," Estock said. "We just love the game of tennis and want to build a tennis community here in Cheney."
Those with questions are welcome to contact Estock by e-mail at [email protected].
Reader Comments(0)