1st Annual Dr. John Nasi Memorial Tennis Scramble Takes Gallup by Storm

1^st Annual Dr. John Nasi Memorial Tennis Scramble Takes Gallup by Storm

Thirty-one tennis players from as far away as Austin, Texas hit the courts on Saturday, March 1^st at Ford Canyon Park in Gallup for the 1^st Annual Dr. John Nasi Memorial Tennis Scramble.

Hosted by the Gallup High School Tennis Team, the tournament was initially envisioned as a way to build awareness of the Bengal tennis program in the community, as well as raise money for equipment, clothing, and travel. As the booster club began to discuss the event, however, it realized that an opportunity existed to create something far more meaningful.

Dr. John Nasi worked in Gallup for many years and was known as one of the city’s leading supporters of tennis, especially the high school’s program. Unfortunately, last year, Dr. Nasi passed away, leaving dozens of players without a mentor and scores more without a good friend. With this in mind, the booster club decided to dedicate the tennis tournament to this remarkable man as a way to immortalize his commitment to tennis in our community.

The scramble featured local players, as well as some who traveled in from Grants and Albuquerque to participate. Three of Dr. Nasi’s relatives traveled in to take part in the event, with two coming from the Duke City and one flying in from Austin. Players broke into foursomes and, throughout the day, each played three sets, one with each of the three other members in their group. Competitors kept track of the total amount of games they won, and everyone walked away with a prize, which were donated from local businesses. Rob Lloyd, a local player, took the day’s top prize, winning 20 games in three sets of play, while Gallupians Mark Gartner and Erin Black took away the second and third place crowns with 19 and 17 games won, respectively.

Tournament attendees endured a scary moment early on in the day when Grants native James Gaddy tripped while moving backwards for an overhead. Despite a cut on his head, which prompted a quick call for an ambulance, Mr. Gaddy was on his feet in no time and able to leave the park of his own accord.

All told, the day was characterized by great tennis, high spirits, and immaculate weather. The GHS Bengal Tennis Team plans to make the Dr. John Nasi Tennis Scramble a perennial event and is also considering forming another tournament to take place during the summer, as well as possible league play for the summer months. The strong enthusiasm for this year’s tournament indicates the level of excitement for tennis within our community, and the GHS Tennis Team plans to lead the charge in showing that tennis is both alive and well in Gallup, New Mexico!