Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, November 29, 1995 TAG: 9511290045
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: CHAD WILLIS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Dillon-Long and Troy are traveling to Del Ray Beach to compete in the Virginia Slims amateur tennis national finals. The doubles team will have the opportunity to play with and participate in clinics led by women's tennis greats Billie-Jean King, Virginia Wade, Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert Lloyd and Tracy Austin.
"We'll play our national tournament first, then all of the players will be paired off with these recently retired professionals for instruction," Dillon-Long said. "It's a great thrill to get a chance to play with a lot of women that I idolize in the sport of women's tennis."
It's also a little scary.
"To be standing side by side with them is great, but there is also a little pressure," Dillon-Long said. "I hope I don't miss the ball every time because I'm nervous."
Dillon-Long says she especially wants to meet Virginia Wade. "She has always been a hero of mine. She is just a very gracious player."
Says Troy, "This is a big thrill for us. ... I can't find the words to describe just how much fun this is."
The last few months have been filled with fun times on the court for Dillon-Long and Troy. They first teamed together when Dillon-Long's usual doubles partner couldn't make it one day; at the suggestion of a mutual friend, Troy substituted. After that meeting, the duo decided to enter tournaments together.
Now we're going to Florida for this tournament," Troy said. "It's been a lot of fun playing with Patsy."
Dillon-Long and Troy won the right to compete in Florida following tournament wins in Roanoke and Richmond.
"To be honest, our even playing in the first tournament in Roanoke was a fluke," Dillon-Long said. "A friend of mine told me that I should give it a try, so Sharon and I just played in it for fun. We ended up winning the tournament and got to go to Richmond for the regional tournament."
Dillon-Long and Troy won three matches in Richmond to capture the regional title and a trip to the national finals in Florida. The national finals will feature players from six other regions, with most players hailing from the Midwest or the East.
"The competition has been great, but we have been doing this mostly for fun," Dillon-Long said. "That is something those professionals stress - that it is important to have fun with the game. It shouldn't be a stressful thing."
If you have an idea for a story or note about recreational sports, call Chad Willis at 381-1672 or 800-346-1234, extension 672. Faxes can be sent to 381-1656.
by CNB