On Saturday, August 1, KCTL students participated in a special intraleague tournament, Davis Cup, at Marcy Playground.
The first site-wide contest of 2015, Davis Cup marked the season's halfway point, making it the right time to apply eight weeks of tennis lessons in combination. The doubles-style tournament is also a low-pressure precursor to the Jamboree, a higher-priority singles competition at the season's conclusion.
davis-cup-tennis-courts
Competition aside, Davis Cup was an opportunity for KCTL students, parents, and family members to meet their peers from other sites. We had strong attendance on all fronts, including many spectators seated comfortably--and, occasionally, jumping up and down enthusiastically--along the sidelines.
In the spirit of the real-world Davis Cup, each KCTL team represented a country:
- Marcy assumed the role of Italy
- Tompkins claimed Egypt
- Lafayette Gardens repped Jamaica
- Sumner played as the Dominican Republican
- Jackie Robinson spoke for Trinidad and Tobago
Aided by a colorful world map, volunteers and staff from each site presented brief lessons on their countries. The students were encouraged to contribute their own research findings and knowledge to the conversation.
davis-cup-world-map
Newly enlightened by geographical and historical facts, the students took to eight mini tennis courts for double matches with their international opponents.
The first pair to reach 12 points was declared the winner of the match. But the losing team's effort did not go to waste; their points contributed to their country's total score. So, for example, if Jamaica defeated Egypt 12 to 8, Egypt's 8 points were included in Egypt's final count. At the end of the tournament, all points were tallied to determine the Davis Cup's winning country.
davis-cup-winners
After several rounds of close matches filled with vigorous effort, sharp groundstrokes, and good sportsmanship, we gathered for the announcement of the winning team.
Ultimately, Marcy (Italy) was named victorious in the 2015 Davis Cup, but, quite impressively, Jackie Robinson (Trinidad and Tobago)--KCTL's newest team--came in second by only five points. We're proud of all players for their dedication, for keeping their cool on the court, and for having fun. Winning students earned pins, new grips, and the right to brag until the Jamboree!