And by winning two mixed doubles titles recently, the Pinehurst Lawn and Tennis Club 3.0 senior team will represent the Pines District in the state championships to be held in Wilson Sept. 14-17. There are 12 districts in the state, with the Pines District being the local one.

The beauty of the Golden Rackets is that it is a team made up of players mainly in their 60s, but that didn't stop them from competing against the younger set this season. They won the local senior title, made up of teams of players 50 years old and older.

Then they added the adult title to their resume, winning out over teams that are mostly filled with players in their 20s and 30s.

Dr. Jim Polakof, the captain of the team, said his team is proud of claiming the two titles, especially the adult crown.

"It just goes to show you," Polakof said, "that you're never too old to be young."

The squad isn't ready to rest on just the local laurels. Polakof said that regardless of the age difference, the Golden Rackets are prepared to compete effectively against the other league champions they will face in Wilson.

"We plan to bring home the state title and go to sectionals," he said.

Members of the team are Mike LeFever, Karen Ramey, Janey LeFever, Gay Pratt, Ginger Minichiello, Polakof, Gloria Polakof, Tom Shaw, Clark Trivett and Chuck Minichello.