Things are a little quieter lately on the local tennis front.

One of the area's biggest tournaments has come and gone so now I can fill you in on some news from the local clubs.

Over on Morganton Road, the Lawn and Tennis Club is absolutely thrilled with having a new pro on staff. Ryan Peterson started in mid-October to the delight of the membership. He moved to Pinehurst from Topeka, Kan., where he played college tennis before working as a tennis pro. The club greeted the arrival of Peterson with a club social.

Lawn and Tennis Club is excited about the addition of two more courts with lights -- ah, night tennis, wonderful! Currently, five of the club's seven courts are lit. The need for lights on all courts is just another of the signs that the tremendous growth the club is currently experiencing.

Three evening activities are held each week for the members, including ladies' leagues, men's leagues and mixed double socials.

The extra lighting will also make it possible for lessons to continue later now that daylight savings time has ended. The club's junior players' program continues to grow.

Moving up the block and around the corner to The Pinehurst Club, something is always going on. A wonderful addition to the staff is Kevin Criscoe, the new head tennis pro. Under the direction of the very capable Matt Downing, Criscoe will assist in all areas of the club.

A local boy from the Biscoe area, Criscoe and his younger brother, Keith, started playing tennis with their Dad. Moving on to the tennis team at Union Pines where he thrived under the tutelage of veteran coach John Frye, he then played collegiate tennis at Methodist University.

After graduation, Criscoe was employed at the Philadelphia Cricket and Racquet Club, and then moved on to Westport, Conn., for five years.

Just recently Criscoe was involved in a pro-am tournament at Pinehurst where 32 Pinehurst Club members and 32 pros from up and down the East Coast participated.

The tournament had four flights for both men and women with a round-robin format. The two teams with the most points played in the finals. The event proved to be a really great time.

The tournament was held to benefit the Professional Tennis Management Program at Methodist University.

Criscoe also has begun working with some of the competitive teams at the club. Several club members have commented that he is a wonderful addition to the staff at The Pinehurst Club.

To these two new pros, I'll simply say welcome to the neighborhood.

Out in Seven Lakes things are really looking good. There is a big community tennis tournament getting ready to be held.

Having three communities, they decided to have some fun (I think I told you about this challenge tournament). There are 44 players from the north, south and west side that are planning to participate.

I'll let you know who gets the "old clock," the prize that is going to be awarded to the winning community.

A very successful program for the local kids has just been completed at the club. Some of the players are continuing the lessons in the hopes of eventually becoming competitive players.

"We have a lot of work to do," said pro Bruce Adams, "but these kids have the desire to learn and have fun."

With all of this gorgeous fall weather, let's see some of you out on those courts -- it doesn't take much, only the desire. You'll be so glad you did. Just pick up a racket, a couple of tennis balls and grab a few friends (of course, you'll need a court!). If you need a fourth, call me.

Until next time, see ya on the courts!!

Barb Horan can be reached at horan@earthlink.net