Document text
Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Since We Asked Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Readers Choice 2006 Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Our Valley Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend May 13, 2006 Jack Thompson returns to Oregon to take over as the director of tennis at Southern Oregon Tennis Club. The 47-year-old will organize leagues and tournaments and oversee other activities while promoting the sport in the region. Mail Tribune / Jim Craven Former UO player to head club By KEVIN GOFF Mail Tribune Jack Thompson has devoted the last 25 years of his life to promoting tennis. Now the former University of Oregon player will continue in that vein at the Southern Oregon Tennis Club. Thompson, 47, was recently hired as director of tennis at SOTC, filling a position left vacant when then-director Frank Inn departed two years ago for a similar position at Rogue Valley Swim and Tennis Club. Thompson will be responsible for organizing tournaments, leagues and social activities at the club and creating interest in tennis throughout the area. He will also work as a teaching professional with SOTC pros Andris Olins and Gail Patton. "We are absolutely thrilled to have Jack," said SOTC board member Rich Hansen. "We think Jack will help jump-start the tennis program here. He’s a perfect match for us, and he has great experience in being a director of tennis." Advertisement Thompson and his wife, Rosey, come to Medford from Vasalia, Calif., where Thompson was director of tennis for the Visalia Racquet Club. Thompson, a Portland-area native, is happy to be back in Oregon. "I think, mainly, the area was a big thing," said Thompson on his return. "The atmosphere here and at the club were big reasons why we thought this job would be a good fit." Thompson also pointed to his past job experience as a factor for the hire. "They are wanting to gain membership and retool the program," Thompson said. "I have years of experience doing just that." Thompson grew up near Portland and played two years of tennis at Oregon. He was then the director of tennis at a club in Vancouver, Wash., for four years before moving to California. Thompson’s two grown children — son Jeremy and daughter Angela — also played tennis at the junior and high school levels. "It is kind of a tennis family," said Thompson. "I’ve been involved in promoting tennis ever since I left college." "I really enjoy teaching and influencing people’s lives," he added. "Teaching is a nice part, mainly because of the interaction with members." Besides revamping the tennis program at SOTC, Thompson is planning an open house for junior and adult players to promote the program and the facility. The event, he hopes, will take place in July. He plans to use the open house to acquaint himself with the community and its interested players. "We’ve met a lot of people and made a lot of friends across the West through the tennis community," said Thompson. "It’ll be nice to continue that here." Reach reporter Kevin Goff at 776-4483 or e-mail Former UO player to head club ">[email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems California Casinos Men's Clothing Southern Oregon Loans --> GMAT Prep Fundraisers Send Flowers Entertainment Guide --> Casinos Canada Trunks, Footlocker Online Casino Reviews Advertisement s