The Pacific Northwest has a history of being ahead of the curve when it comes to offering a team-based format for senior players. Ellen MacPherson of Portland was particularly instrumental in beginning team play for the 50 and over age group as well as for the 60 and over age group, even before the USTA officially offered USTA League Senior and Super Senior divisions.
Most recently, MacPherson has focused her efforts on developing a league for players ages 70 and over in Northern Oregon. As our population ages and remains healthy, there is a bigger demand for organized league play for the 70 and over age group. This need is illustrated by the success of the league which is designed to be fun and low key, celebrating the social and health benefits that tennis provides.
Where does it go from here? The USTA Pacific Northwest is expanding the league throughout the section and will call it the "Super 70" league. Now tennis players ages 70 and above in all areas of the Pacific Northwest will be able to compete in an organized team-based format. All teams participating in the new league will have the opportunity to advance to the Super 70 Section Championships that will be held in conjunction with the USTA League Super Senior Section Championships in Sunriver, Ore., June 27-30. The winner will have bragging rights here in the Pacific Northwest.
Randy Vitcovich launched the Super 70 league in Northwest Washington last fall and there are currently 63 participants. If you are interested in playing in the 70-and-over league, please click here to find the USTA League Senior Coordinator in your area or contact Sheila Banks by email at sheilab@pnw.usta.com or by phone at (425) 379-5670.