Franchetto Classic indoor tennis tournament keeps players moving on holidays

By Medicine Hat News on December 31, 2019.

An annual staple of the Medicine Hat Tennis Club’s season took place this past Saturday, with a smaller than usual field but no less enthusiasm.

A total of 20 players entered in the Renato Franchetto Winter Classic at the Cypress Centre Fieldhouse, named after the former member who passed away five years ago.

Franchetto was always a regular at the indoor event, which serves both as a chance to work off some holiday treats and the rust for those who haven’t put a racket in hand since the outdoor courts shut down a couple months ago.

This year the doubles divisions saw plenty of familiar faces, led by the Weich brothers. Raymond Weich teamed up with Lyle Garrecht to win the round robin open division. Niall Weich paired with Jin Shin to take second, while Boris Holan and Peter O’Driscoll were third.

In the intermediate mixed division, Francisco Valenzuela and Codie Uitvlugt beat David Schnare and Lily Laurent 8-5 in a pro set final.

Sheila Reinheller and Noel Thomas edged Doris Deminick and Gary Laurent 6-5 in the consolation final.