Next weekend the popular Cal Poly Pro-Ams will be taking place. Every year the Cal Poly Men’s and Women’s tennis teams join forces with local clubs to play tennis and raise some funds. Pro-Ams partner local tennis players with Cal Poly players in doubles games and sets for a light hearted mix of fun and competition. In prior years, these events have been held on a first come first serve basis at Avila Bay Club, and San Luis Obispo Country Club and filled to capacity. This year for the first time, they are bringing an event to the North County for a few reasons.

First and foremost is that it provides north county tennis players an opportunity to meet and play with some of the top players in the country. Second, it will be an introduction for most north country players into the world of Cal Poly Tennis. Cal Poly matches are widely attended by fans south of the grade, but hardly noticed by enthusiasts north of the grade. Cal Poly Tennis is loud, fun, energetic (think Davis Cup style and Bryan Bros. chest bumps) and FREE! Matches are watched with fans screaming off of the 3rd row of the parking garage, and on blankets and chairs on the hill with picnic baskets.

The event at the Paso Robles Sports Club has the potential to be canceled if sign ups do not increase in the next 2 days. The most often asked questions involve the cost, and where the tax free donations will go. Tennis Connect is a non-profit group of tennis players formed and dedicated to promote CP Tennis. CP Tennis is free and does not bring in money to the University and therefore its funding is shy of other revenue based sports. Tennis Connect raises money and directly gives 100% to the programs. ALL donations are tax deductible.  In the past money has been used to resurface the courts, purchase a scoreboard, implement seating, purchase balls, and secure assistant coaches. Currently both the men’s and women’s teams have a head coach, an assistant coach, and a volunteer assistant coach. Prior to Tennis Connect’s involvement, each program only had a Head Coach with no help, dilapidated courts, and not enough funding for a steady supply of new balls. Fundraisers fill these gaps.

Please reserve your spot as soon as possible if you are thinking of participating. The event at Paso Robles Sports Club is planned for THIS Saturday November 5th from 12-2, and the event at Avila Bay Club is planned for the following day November 6th from 12-2. Suggested donation: $200. Reserve spots for November 5th at abarber@caclubs.com and November 6 at michael@avilabayclub.com