ALTON - The 10th annual Alton High School Andy Simpson Doubles Invitational brought players to Alton High School and Gordon Moore Park’s Bud Simpson Tennis Complex on Saturday, Aug. 22, for a tournament honoring the late Andy Simpson, a prominent tennis supporter who died in 2016.
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Rochester received the Robert Simpson Sportsmanship Award at the event, which included three matches for every team.
“We are grateful to have beautiful weather today,” Macias said. “This weather gave us a chance to come out and get a lot of matches for all the schools. Every team got three matches, so you can’t ask for much more than that.
"Congratulations to Rochester for winning the Robert Simpson Sportsmanship Award. Every coach should be proud of the sportsmanship and effort on the courts today. I think Andy would be proud to see all the players giving their all, while showing a lot of respect for the game.”
The tournament is named in tribute to Simpson and her contributions to tennis in the area.
“The Simpson name is such a wonderful name in the tennis community,” according to information provided about the tournament. “There is not much else they could have done to support it in the area. They donated beautiful facilities at Gordon Moore and Lewis and Clark, but they always supported local tournaments and every other sports team around. We are grateful for the Simpson family and blessed to play a tournament that honors Andy.”
Alton was led by seniors McKenna Dondanville, Lydia Schrumpf, Caroline Cannon, Sadie Perkins, Maddy Henkhaus, Vail Schwaab and Laila Kiger. Juniors Genna Roark, Ellie Hanebutt and Olivia Scarborough also contributed.
“From their freshman year, these ladies have hit the courts with great attitudes and energy,” Macias said. “It’s fun to coach players who are committed to the team, and also to each other. They are a special class, and we want to enjoy their senior year.”
Macias also said Alton’s juniors fit well with the senior group.
“Talent-wise, our juniors fit right in with the seniors,” Macias said.
