$50,000 Challenger To Be Hosted At In-Shape Fairfield Rancho Solano October 12th-18th
FAIRFIELD, CA – May 26, 2015 - The USTA announced that In-Shape Fairfield Rancho Solano, Solano County’s premier fitness and tennis facility with programs managed by Cliff Drysdale Tennis, will host the Men’s $50,000 USTA Challenger Professional Tournament from October 12th-18th of this year. The tournament, which is part of the USTA Pro Circuit and ATP Challenger Tour, will be one of three Men’s USTA Challenger events that will swing through Northern California. The proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Chris Cammisa Tennis and Education Foundation (CCTEF)
The field for the Men’s $50,000 Professional Tournament will feature 32 singles players and 16 doubles teams. Tournaments at the $50,000 level typically feature players ranked from No. 100 to No. 500 in the world. They are stepping-stones to ATP Tour events and Grand Slam tournaments like the US Open and Australian Open. Each year, more than half the players in the US Open Men’s draw have either played or are currently playing on the USTA Pro Circuit.
The current initiatives of the CCETF for 2015 include the formation and funding of a men's and women's tennis team and the establishment of a free after school tennis development and educational mentoring program at Solano Community College, as well as launching the "I'm Next" Athletic Talent Search, a USTA Norcal Pilot Program.
“It is great see the event return to Fairfield, Rancho Solano and Solano County” states Cello. “We have the elements of a perfect match; As one of the best tennis facilities in Northern California, In-Shape Fairfield Rancho Solano is the perfect location to host the event. Scott McCulloch, VP of Operations for Cliff Drysdale Tennis brings vast experience as a Tournament Director having run USTA Pro Circuit events for other Cliff Drysdale-managed facilities throughout the US. Additionally, Chris Cammisa was a long time member and one of the club’s most active tennis players before he passed away in 2014, and to honor his memory and support the local community through this event is truly an honor”.
“It is tremendous to have the tournament returning to Rancho Solano given its history here and the role it will have with our current tennis community,” states McCulloch.”It’s wonderful for our kids to have an opportunity to see professionals up close and inspire their dreams to be a pro tennis player one day as well. On a personal note, I am very excited to work with my partner in the tournament, Phil Cello, who has been a staple in the tennis community for the past 3 decades and still drives forward every day to make a difference which is inspirational and speaks to his character.”
Located at 3250 Rancho Solano Parkway, In-Shape: Fairfield Rancho Solano is a multi-recreational, family athletic facility offering health, fitness, sports, recreation and social programs for people of all ages and interests. The tennis facility features 11 lighted tennis courts, and the Cliff Drysdale Tennis-managed program offers instruction, leagues and events for players of all ages and abilities.
For ticket or sponsorship information, please contact Phil Cello at cellotennis@comcast.net or 707-853-0915 or Scott McCulloch at 239-246-5303
About the USTA Pro Circuit
With approximately 90 tournaments hosted annually throughout the country and prize money ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, the USTA Pro Circuit is the pathway to the US Open and tour-level competition for aspiring tennis players and a frequent battleground for established professionals. The USTA launched its Pro Circuit 36 years ago to provide players with the opportunity to gain professional ranking points, and it has since grown to become the largest developmental tennis circuit in the world, offering nearly $3 million in prize money. Last year, more than 1,000 men and women from more than 70 countries competed in cities nationwide. John Isner, Maria Sharapova, Sam Querrey, Sloane Stephens, Kei Nishikori, Victoria Azarenka and Andy Murray are among today’s top stars who began their careers on the USTA Pro Circuit.
About The Chris Cammisa Tennis and Education Foundation
In 2014, Tournament Chairman Phil Cello founded the Solano Tennis and Education Foundation. The non-profit Foundation operates on the campus of the Solano Community College (“SCC”) with the purpose of providing programs and facilities to further the academic and athletic opportunities for SCC students, along with young athletes from Solano County, by providing low or no cost tennis training and educational development services. The foundation’s name was changed to the Chris Cammisa Tennis and Education Foundation (CCTEF) in memory of Dr. Chris Cammisa, a beloved Solano County doctor, Tennis Player and member of In Shape – Rancho Solano who passed away in June of 2014.
The CCTEF will use the Men’s $50,000 Challenger as an annual fundraiser to support it programs. The Foundation’s first goal of creating a men’s and women’s intercollegiate team has already been accomplished with the addition of the men’s team in the Fall of 2015 and the women’s team scheduled to begin in the fall of 2016.
About Cliff Drysdale Tennis
Founded in 2001 by International Tennis Hall of Fame member Cliff Drysdale and partner Don Henderson, specializes in daily tennis operations and management for resorts, hotels and private tennis clubs; sports design and construction consultation for companies interested in building world-class tennis facilities; tennis educational programs, summer camps, clinics and retreats; and resort, hotel corporate outing planning and leisure operations. CDT is dedicated to growing the game of tennis and strives to develop, promote and teach new programs that bring more tennis to more
people. As the sport continues to grow, as does the CDT commitment to hire, educate and advance talented tennis professionals that provide service excellence both on and off the court. Cliff Drysdale Tennis’ managed property portfolio currently boasts 29 tennis facilities nationwide, including multiple Gold, Silver and Bronze Medal ranked tennis resorts on Tennis Resorts Online’s Top 100 list. For more information, visit www.cliffdrysdale.com
About In-Shape Health Clubs
In-Shape Health Clubs is based in Stockton, CA, and is ranked one of the top 10 health club companies in the United States. Founded in 1981 with one club and a vision for helping people stay healthy and have fun, the company is expanding to provide state-of-the-art facilities to members throughout the state. In-Shape currently owns and operates 70 locations in California.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Kimberly Arena, Tournament Press Relations
On-site: (830) 625-5911 ext 201 Email k.arena@cliffdrysdale.com